Just Blinds : Prattville Montgomery Pike Road Lake Martin Auburn

Performing Routine Maintenance on Your Exterior Shades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:35:30 GMT

Outdoor shades are wonderful additions to your home. Not only do they allow you to enjoy mornings and evenings on your porch or patio in comfort, but they also protect you from some of the harshest side effects of the sun, including excessive UV exposure , which can lead to serious health consequences over time.

If you have exterior shades installed, one of the best ways to protect your investment and ensure that your outdoor shades stand the test of time, protecting you and your family over the long haul, is to institute a routine cleaning and maintenance plan.

How Often Should You Clean And Maintain Your Exterior Shades?

Because needs will always vary by season and climate, it's best to visually inspect your exterior shades once a month. If you see any buildup of dust or pollen, or any obvious maintenance issues, address them immediately.

At least once per quarter, you should also schedule a thorough cleaning and maintenance check. Every three months, around the time the seasons change, schedule a day to clean and thoroughly check your blinds for any routine maintenance.

Particularly if you live in the Southeast, we recommend scheduling thorough cleaning and maintenance in January, April, July, and October.

3 Steps to Cleaning Your Home's Exterior Shades

First, start by thoroughly cleaning your exterior shades.

Step 1: Gather your cleaning supplies.

You will need the following:

A bucket and a mild cleaning agent
A hose and water supply
A soft brush or broom
A soft cloth

When it comes to your cleaning agent, be sure to avoid any solutions with harsh chemicals. If you haven't received information on any manufacturer-specific suggestions, we recommend using a mild dish soap diluted in water.

Step 2: Dust away dirt and debris.

Using your soft brush or broom, gently remove all excess buildup of dust, dirt, and debris. Make note of any trouble spots that will need more extensive cleaning.

Step 3: Thoroughly clean your exterior shades.

Begin by testing your cleaning solution in a small, hidden area. If you see any strong reaction, including erosion or discoloration, stop immediately and seek more information. Only if your shades respond well should you proceed with a full cleaning.

Start by using your hose to gently rinse your exterior shades from top to bottom. Next, using your soft cloth, clean the shades, removing all accumulations of dirt and grime. After a final rinse with the hose, allow the shades to air dry in the sun.

If necessary, repeat this step until your shades are fully clean.

What Routine Maintenance Issues Should You Check For As You Clean?

As you clean your exterior shades, keep your eyes peeled for any routine maintenance issues that may need to be addressed.

Trouble spots to watch out for include the following:

Fading color. Though color fading in itself is not an emergency, it can show that your exterior shades are beginning to show wear and tear. Assess the extent of the damage and consult with Just Blinds to evaluate the projected longevity of your current shades.
Sagging shades. Sagging shades don't necessarily need to be replaced, but they may need to be re-tensioned. Check the external hardware and see if anything needs to be tightened up or replaced.
Rips, tears, gaps, or holes. No matter how small, these issues need to be addressed immediately. Addressing these issues early can prevent the damage from growing, preventing more costly repairs down the line. Buy a patch kit and follow the instructions for sealing up any trouble spots.

Just Blinds Is Here to Help

To hear more about how to maintain your exterior shades, or to learn more about how outdoor shades can add value to your home and help you better enjoy your outdoor living areas by reducing heat, offering increased privacy, and lowering your UV exposure, feel free to contact us . We look forward to serving you.

How to Use Window Coverings Creatively in a Kid's Room

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:32:28 GMT

Kids' rooms can be a challenge to decorate, especially with younger kids who might not have developed their own taste yet. Window coverings are an area many parents neglect, but you can do some really fun things with them.

So, here are some tips to make a kids' room interesting with blinds, shades, drapes, and other window dressing ideas.

Safety First

Before we get to the fun, though, we need to talk quickly about safety. Particularly, if you have young children, you should not use corded window coverings . Children can easily become tangled in the cords and may end up being strangled. This is particularly important when decorating rooms in which a child might spend time unattended. Also avoid putting cribs, playpens, beds, etc near windows.

Use cordless blinds and shades instead. A perfect choice is cordless roller shades, that also don't have any cords between slats. They're also easy to clean.

Light-Filtering

Young kids often nap during the day. If their room gets a lot of light, consider blackout or light-filtering shades that you can close when they nap to help them get some sleep. You can also use these shades to keep the room from becoming glare central.

White blackout shades can become invisible when not in use, so you can get the look of an undressed window.

Glow-in-the-Dark

On the other hand, many kids aren't hugely fond of total darkness at night. Glow-in-the-dark shades can help chase away the shadows and look cool. They typically fade after about thirty minutes, but usually kids are asleep by then.

You can coordinate with other glow-in-the-dark accessories, such as ceiling stickers, for a particularly starry effect.

Include Their Favorites

These days, you can get all kinds of printed blinds. Does your little one love dinosaurs? You can get blinds with dinosaurs. Superheroes? Not a problem. If you can't get the exact fabric you want, it's not hugely difficult to buy the fabric and make blinds yourself...just make sure they're kid safe.

As your kid gets older, they can pick out their own prints.

Match Designs and Accent Colors

Match blinds with lamp shades or curtains with accent colors to tie the room together. Your kids will start to develop a sense of style and adults often spend quite a bit of time there too. You can also put curtains over bookcases or toy storage to match the window decorations and make the room look less cluttered. You can, of course, always go with the classic of matching curtains and carpet, or choosing wooden blinds (for older kids) to go with wood flooring.

Also, you can match curtains or blinds with your child's bedding for a coordinated look.

Add Window Decals

You want natural light during the day, but you also want something pretty? Window decals are a great answer and they come in a variety of kid-friendly designs. Teddy bears? Dinosaurs? Puppy dogs? Whatever your child wants, you can probably find it. Putting them behind curtains with a similar design means that day and night complement one another.

Floor Length Curtains

Small kids love floor length curtains...they can hide behind them. Choose designs that match something else in the room, but also bear in mind that a cool pole lets in light; you may want to layer blinds behind them to make sure you can get the room dark enough for your child to sleep. Bright prints and primary colors work well here.

Let Them Have Fun

And for one last fun idea...get transparent curtains or plain roller blades and let the kids decorate them with stickers, finger painting, felt, or whatever you have at hand. This gives your kids the ultimate personal look for their room...although they might get embarrassed by it in a few years! Parents should, of course, supervise and help and it may be best to do the decorating and then hang so kids can get to the top.

Decorating a kids' room is challenging...but also a lot of fun. The right window treatments can make a huge difference. Choose child-safe treatments, but also consider these ideas...and contact Just Blinds for even more suggestions.

Exterior Shades: If You're Not Investing in Them, You Should be!

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:17:29 GMT

Lake homes are among the most desired types of properties out there, and the added value that these properties can fetch is nothing to brush aside. In fact, according to HomeLight , lakefront properties consistently outperform other homes in terms of resale value:

Thanks to the law of limited supply, lakefront properties generally come with a higher price tag than their inland counterparts. Although waterfront properties fluctuate in value like the rest of the real estate market, they consistently sell at a higher price than homes that are not on the water.

As such, if you are the fortunate owner of lakefront property, you should do everything in your power to maintain that property to the highest standards and keep it fully equipped with the most desirable features. Among the features that you ought to include: Exterior shades!

What Value Do Exterior Shades Add to a Lakefront Home?

There are a lot of different things that one might choose to do to increase the value of their lakefront home, but few will provide as much benefit as adding exterior shades. Here are some reasons why you should consider this addition:

Reduce Exposure to the Sun Without Hampering the View

A major part of the appeal of lakefront homes is the fact that they tend to feature stunning views of the body of water on which they rest. You certainly wouldn't want to spoil that view by obstructing it. At the same time, you still want protection from sunlight streaming directly into your eyes. Fortunately, exterior shades offer the best of both worlds. They will:

Reduce direct exposure to sunlight
Keep internal temperatures within your home cooler
Maintain that beautiful lakeside view that you desire

Improve Your Property's Privacy

Sure, it is nice to be neighborly when you can, but no one can fault you for also wanting a little privacy while you are out at your lakefront property. Since lakefront properties are typically situated near other homes, docks, and other areas accessible to the public, you should consider exterior shades to maintain your privacy without completely isolating yourself from the outside world.

Exterior shades help reduce visibility into your home from outside docks, neighborhood houses, and more. If you want to enjoy your sanctuary without full isolation, then exterior shades are the way to go.

Keeps Bugs and Grime Away

Spend any time on the lake, and you will quickly realize just how attractive a body of water is to insects and bugs. Additionally, windy conditions can bring pollen, leaves, and other debris into your home. Exterior shades help to keep all of that out of your home and allows you to enjoy your lakefront home for all that it has to offer.

Are There Other Reasons to Consider Exterior Shades?

You better believe there are additional reasons to consider installing exterior shades. Namely, they add a lot of value to the home because they create a space that is both comfortable and low-maintenance. Many of today's buyers are looking for both of those attributes when they go house hunting. They want to see that any home that they might purchase isn't going to cause them an excessive amount of effort and grief to make it a comfortable space to spend some time. Exterior shades go a long way towards making that case.

Besides that, exterior shades are highly durable and don't need to be cleaned often. They will help make your home more energy-efficient by naturally lowering the internal temperature. Plus, these shades help you to extend the portion of your home that you can use for living and recreational purposes. By providing additional shade, exterior shades can help keep certain areas cool enough to enjoy even in the heat of summer.

With all of this in mind, reach out and contact us today to schedule an appointment for getting exterior shades put on your lakefront property. It can be one of the smartest investments you ever make.

Seven Reasons Why Fabric Roman Shades Are the Quiet Hero

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:12:45 GMT

You might have an interior design planned out. Whether it's for a new house or you're updating your room's look, window coverings cannot be ignored. The type you choose shouldn't clash with the rest of the space.

Fabric Roman shades are a great option to add to your home to give it a unique look. Here are seven reasons why they are the quiet hero in any room.

1. A Variety of Colors and Patterns

A cohesive style is important for any living space. Fabric Roman shades can add to it instead of ruining it. One of the ways they make interior design more amazing is through variety. You can find these shades in all kinds of colors and patterns. So, you are free to stick to your favorite color palette.

Fabric Roman shades blend seamlessly into a space by complementing the rest of the room. Some patterns can help make your home more unique. Whether you want a calm atmosphere or a sophisticated look, the variety of fabric Roman shades can deliver.

2. Layers

Fabric Roman shades are great if you are in the mood for layers. You can add curtains over the shades to improve a room's richness. Your room will seem as if it has more depth while creating the desired mood.

You might have curtains already picked out. Since fabric Roman shades have a wide range of colors, you don't have to worry about any mismatches.

3. Improves Small Rooms

The wrong curtain or shade can make a small room feel as if it has even less space. Avoid bulky drapes and go with fabric Roman shades. These shades get mounted close to the window to help you save space in your carefully crafted design.

Another reason fabric Roman shades are a lifesaver for smaller spaces is that they can offer light control. More natural light in a room can make it appear bigger.

4. Privacy Control

Privacy is an important aspect to consider when buying window coverings. Sheer material is a suitable option that provides a level of visibility to the outdoors. Alternatively, a blackout material can help you gain a sense of solitude when you need it.

Laying your fabric Roman shades with another curtain also provides you with more privacy control. You can feel comfortable in your own home without sacrificing your style.

5. Insulation

Another way Roman shades improve the interior home is through insulation. Some fabrics are thick or have a thermal lining. Examples of what you can use include dense cotton and wool. The transfer of heat through these fabrics is minimal.

During colder weather, fabric Roman shades help you remain cozy while you relax. Less heat enters the room during the summer months.

6. A Timeless Look

Trends come and go. Some interior design options from decades ago can make a room appear dated. However, Roman shades have been around for a long time. Your room will still be in style no matter the year.

Choosing the right fabric helps improve the timelessness of a space's design. You can continue to impress guests for a long time.

7. Safe to Use

Some fabric Roman shade options come with the classic cord to raise and lower them. A cord, however, can pose an issue if small children or pets are nearby. For instance, cats may play with it and end up getting entangled. Children under eight have a higher risk of getting hurt.

Plenty of Roman shades have cordless and motorized control features to ensure safety. They are straightforward to use, and there is a lower chance of an accident.

Decorating your room can be a struggle at times. Finding the right window coverings can make a difference. We at Just Blinds aim to help you find the right shades for your house. Feel free to contact us at any time to discover what fabric Roman shade options are available.

Why Invest In Motorized Retractable Awnings?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:40:41 GMT

Alabama often "enjoys" heat...sometimes excessive heat. Protecting yourself and your home from the southern sun helps you stay more comfortable and healthier, and keeps your cooling costs down.

Which is where motorized retractable awnings come in.

What is a Motorized Retractable Awning?

Awnings are designed to extend out from your home or building, providing extra coverage for your home, and providing extra shade. Retractable awnings offer improved versatility and convenience, allowing you to retract the awning when not in use or to allow more heat on cooler days.

Motorized retractable awnings can be extended or retracted at the push of a button, and many come with remote controls or smart home integration. This means you can extend your awning from anywhere, and don't have to engage in physical effort.

Why Choose a Motorized Retractable Awning?

In addition to convenience, motorized retractable awnings have a number of benefits. These include:

As mentioned, modern motorized awnings can be extended or retracted using a remote control or smart home devices. They can also be extended and retracted manually.
The awning protects your patio furniture from rain and wind, while providing shade on days when you need it or allowing the sun in when its a little cooler. You can enjoy your patio all year round.
Retractable awnings look good whether they are extended or retracted.
Retractable awnings can be kept out to keep the sun out of your home, reducing cooling bills. During the winter, you can retract the awning and let your house absorb sun from south-facing windows
Because you retract them when not in use, retractable awnings tend to last longer than fixed ones. They don't fade in the sun, aren't torn by the rain, and the fabric and frame are more protected from rotting.
Retractable awnings improve curb appeal and can increase the value of your home. However, they are cheaper than a permanent roof over your patio, and with a front screen option will keep bugs out just as well.
Retractable awnings are also easier to install than fixed awnings. While they still need to be installed precisely, they don't require as heavy support structures.
You can control how much you extend the awning to match the conditions...it can be fully retracted, fully extended, or partially extended to provide just a bit of shade.

We have now added SunPro Retractable Awnings to our range so you can get these benefits and then some.

Why Choose SunPro?

SunPro motorized retractable awnings integrate with most smart home devices and also come with a wireless remote. They can be adjusted to precisely block the sun and come with built-in, dimmable LED lights so you can use your patio at night. The lights can be adjusted using the same remote!

These custom-sized awnings can be made to fit any home, and the frames and housing come in white, bronze, beige, and black to go with your aesthetic. You can also add things like front screens, wind sensors (which automatically retract the awning when the wind hits a certain speed, preventing damage). There are 30 different fabric colors in stock, and a 10-year warranty.

We can install a SunPro retractable awning in either standard or custom colors, in any space including bay mount brackets, soffit and roof brackets, and cross arms for narrow spaces.

If you need more shade on your patio, or to put shade over a window to reduce your cooling costs in Alabama's heat, contact Just Blinds . We can look at your home and help with a custom motorized retractable awning that will look good and protect you and your home from the heat and sun. We also provide other window coverings such as blinds and plantation shutters.

5 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat With Eye-Catching Window Treatments

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:44:00 GMT

When the mercury soars, never underestimate the power of blinds, shades, and other window treatments to keep your living space cool. With the techniques that follow, you can limit demand on your air conditioner, lower your energy bill, and maintain stunning aesthetics both inside and out.

1. Go For the Layered Look

If you don't want blackout blinds that completely block out light and heat, consider layering your window treatments for the summer months. This is a great way to add depth and texture to your rooms while still maintaining a tight home envelope and limiting solar heat gains. Use wood or faux wood blinds to create a solid base layer. Then, add sheers and custom curtains to finish the look.

Layering creates levels of flexibility and adaptability that single window treatments cannot match. You can close all three layers for maximum heat blocking, slant your blinds and close your sheers to let limited sunlight in, or open your drapes and your blinds and use your sheers for light filtering.

2. Beat the Heat With Outdoor Window Treatments

Some of the best window treatments for blocking heat and light during the summer months belong on the outside of your home. If you haven't done so already, consider investing in shutters. Shutters can vastly improve the efficiency of your home while providing excellent UV ray protection. This will keep your flooring and furnishings from fading while offering a fair amount of skin protection.

In addition to tightening home envelopes, shutters provide excellent noise reduction and offer added protection against the natural elements. With your shutters standing guard as your home's first defense, you'll still have one or more window treatments at the interior of the building during the next big heat wave.

Some of the best window treatments for blocking heat and light during the summer months belong on the outside of your home. If you haven't done so already, consider investing in shutters. Shutters can vastly improve the efficiency of your home while providing excellent UV ray protection. This will keep your flooring and furnishings from fading while offering a fair amount of skin protection.

In addition to tightening home envelopes, shutters provide excellent noise reduction and offer added protection against the natural elements. With your shutters standing guard as your home's first defense, you'll still have one or more window treatments at the interior of the building during the next big heat wave.

Outdoor Shades Work, Too

If shutters aren't the right look for you, opt for lightweight, retractable shades. Installing outdoor shades gives you yet another way to safeguard your home from solar heat gains whenever temperatures spike. You can use outdoor shades with layered indoor window treatments to create an airtight space and reduce stress on your AC during the hottest portion of the day. Once the sun sets, you can easily draw them open.

If shutters aren't the right look for you, opt for lightweight, retractable shades. Installing outdoor shades gives you yet another way to safeguard your home from solar heat gains whenever temperatures spike. You can use outdoor shades with layered indoor window treatments to create an airtight space and reduce stress on your AC during the hottest portion of the day. Once the sun sets, you can easily draw them open.

3. Optimize Airflow

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five time more contaminated than outdoor air. Even though air conditioners and heat pumps filter the indoor air during operation, they don't extract volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other gaseous chemical contaminants. When the sun's out and you're running your air conditioner non-stop, all the contaminants introduced into your home by off-gassing building materials, cooking, room freshening sprays, and chemical-laden self-care products and cleaners remain trapped indoors.

Blinds are great for optimizing airflow. When the sun sets, the mercury dives, and a cool breeze rolls in, you can turn your blind slats upwards to reflect light from the setting sun and slightly crack your windows. This technique works well for giving ACs an early evening break. It's also an excellent strategy for improving indoor air quality (IAQ). As natural light decreases, you can open your blind slats wider and let more fresh, outdoor air flow in. This easy air exchange will get your home and your IAQ ready for the challenges of the next sweltering day.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five time more contaminated than outdoor air. Even though air conditioners and heat pumps filter the indoor air during operation, they don't extract volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other gaseous chemical contaminants. When the sun's out and you're running your air conditioner non-stop, all the contaminants introduced into your home by off-gassing building materials, cooking, room freshening sprays, and chemical-laden self-care products and cleaners remain trapped indoors.

Blinds are great for optimizing airflow. When the sun sets, the mercury dives, and a cool breeze rolls in, you can turn your blind slats upwards to reflect light from the setting sun and slightly crack your windows. This technique works well for giving ACs an early evening break. It's also an excellent strategy for improving indoor air quality (IAQ). As natural light decreases, you can open your blind slats wider and let more fresh, outdoor air flow in. This easy air exchange will get your home and your IAQ ready for the challenges of the next sweltering day.

4. Keep Indoor Moisture in Check With Shades

With a high-functioning air conditioner or heat pump, you'll get reliable humidity regulation whenever your cooling system is on. The right shades can support this by keeping outdoor moisture outside and preventing the buildup of condensation on your windows. Cellular shades are made for high-moisture areas, and they're the perfect addition to any other southern home. You can get similar benefits from faux wood blinds, vinyl blinds, and aluminum blinds.

Moisture-resistant blinds or shades are an essential upgrade if you currently have heavy fabric drapes or multiple layers of sheers. Some materials capture and retain moisture. They're also prone to problems like mold and mildew and can lower IAQ as a result.

With a high-functioning air conditioner or heat pump, you'll get reliable humidity regulation whenever your cooling system is on. The right shades can support this by keeping outdoor moisture outside and preventing the buildup of condensation on your windows. Cellular shades are made for high-moisture areas, and they're the perfect addition to any other southern home. You can get similar benefits from faux wood blinds, vinyl blinds, and aluminum blinds.

Moisture-resistant blinds or shades are an essential upgrade if you currently have heavy fabric drapes or multiple layers of sheers. Some materials capture and retain moisture. They're also prone to problems like mold and mildew and can lower IAQ as a result.

5. Go Motorized

Don't worry about dragging your ladder out to draw your outdoor shades or running through your home to manually adjust your blinds. Shop for motorized window treatments that you can open, close, and adjust with just the touch of a button. This way, as lighting and temperatures change, you can quickly adapt your window treatments to reflect your most current needs.

At Just Blinds, we're all about comfort. We want your window treatments to look amazing, but believe that you should feel amazing too. We offer a fantastic selection of blinds, shutters, shades, and custom draperies to help our clients beat the heat in the summer months . Let us help you stay cool in style. To speak with our design consultants, contact Just Blinds today!

Don't worry about dragging your ladder out to draw your outdoor shades or running through your home to manually adjust your blinds. Shop for motorized window treatments that you can open, close, and adjust with just the touch of a button. This way, as lighting and temperatures change, you can quickly adapt your window treatments to reflect your most current needs.

At Just Blinds, we're all about comfort. We want your window treatments to look amazing, but believe that you should feel amazing too. We offer a fantastic selection of blinds, shutters, shades, and custom draperies to help our clients beat the heat in the summer months . Let us help you stay cool in style. To speak with our design consultants, contact Just Blinds today!

How to Use Windows to Make Your Home Cozier

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 29 May 2025 22:06:00 GMT

Windows give a home warmth, light, and a view of the outside world. But with the right treatments, you can also use your windows to make your home feel cozy. Coziness is a semse of comfort and familiarity. It defines a charm that feels like home, whether it's the coziness of a warm room in winter, your movie den in the summer.

When we think of coziness, we often think of couches, candles, and throw blankets. But your windows play an equally important part. After all, it's your window treatments that frame the light, add softness to your walls, and set the mood for every room. The right window decorations can make your home feel warm and inviting.

Using Windows, Drapes, and Shades to Create Coziness

Window treatements create a vibe for your entire room. Drapes, shades, and shutters can be used to create a backdrop of texture, color, and style. They also allow you to control the light levels in your home and even the color of the light. This means that your windows are the best place to start when making a room feel cozy.

Layering soft drapes in rich colors is a great way to add that sense of comfort and warmth to a room, while cheerful blinds in soft neutrals can help a room to feel relaxed and welcoming. You can also use drapes or blinds to add a splash of color as a bold accent in any room. These touches combined with glowing sunshine during the day create a cozy and comfortable space.

Plants as Cozy Window Decor

You can use other types of decor to evoke a sense of coziness, too. We particularly love plants. Leafy green plants love the sunshine as much as you do and thrive when placed in a sunny window. Place an elegant snake plant in the windowsill or hang creeping ivy from a hook near the top of a window frame to make your room feel cheerful and alive with green energy.

Plants make a home feel natural and vibrantly lived-in which is perfect for your cozy vibe. For a cozy kitchen, you can even grow fresh herbs in a box on the windowsill that add a delicious aroma and tasty fresh seasoning along with their natural visual appeal.

You can use other types of decor to evoke a sense of coziness, too. We particularly love plants. Leafy green plants love the sunshine as much as you do and thrive when placed in a sunny window. Place an elegant snake plant in the windowsill or hang creeping ivy from a hook near the top of a window frame to make your room feel cheerful and alive with green energy.

Plants make a home feel natural and vibrantly lived-in which is perfect for your cozy vibe. For a cozy kitchen, you can even grow fresh herbs in a box on the windowsill that add a delicious aroma and tasty fresh seasoning along with their natural visual appeal.

Enhance Your Space with Aromatherapy

Speaking of aromatics, you might be surprised how much your windows can take part in cozy aromatherapy. Window treatments like drapes and blinds are fabric that can help purfumes and essential oils linger in the room for days. Cozy scents are often warm aromas like cinnamon, vanilla, lavender, almonds, and coffee. But fresh fruit or floral scents that smell like "home" to you can also add a sense of coziness to each room.

Simply spritz your curtains with your favorite scents and each room will subtly carry that comforting smell of home that makes you want to snuggle into the couch and relax at the end of each day.

Speaking of aromatics, you might be surprised how much your windows can take part in cozy aromatherapy. Window treatments like drapes and blinds are fabric that can help purfumes and essential oils linger in the room for days. Cozy scents are often warm aromas like cinnamon, vanilla, lavender, almonds, and coffee. But fresh fruit or floral scents that smell like "home" to you can also add a sense of coziness to each room.

Simply spritz your curtains with your favorite scents and each room will subtly carry that comforting smell of home that makes you want to snuggle into the couch and relax at the end of each day.

Moody Shade and Maximizing Light

When we visualize coziness, light levels often play a role. Your minds eye may see a sun-drenched cottage or a gently lit library as your mental idea of a room that is perfectly cozy. Window treatments allow you to set the mood by reducing or maximizing light to the perfect levels.

Well-designed shades and drapes can pull back attractively to maximize light, bathing your room in the warm welcoming glow of sunshine. Or if you prefer a more relaxed coziness, you can use translucent drapes or cellular shades to filter the light exactly the right amount. Diffuse and reduced light filtered through fabric of a warm color can make you feel safe and at peace.

When we visualize coziness, light levels often play a role. Your minds eye may see a sun-drenched cottage or a gently lit library as your mental idea of a room that is perfectly cozy. Window treatments allow you to set the mood by reducing or maximizing light to the perfect levels.

Well-designed shades and drapes can pull back attractively to maximize light, bathing your room in the warm welcoming glow of sunshine. Or if you prefer a more relaxed coziness, you can use translucent drapes or cellular shades to filter the light exactly the right amount. Diffuse and reduced light filtered through fabric of a warm color can make you feel safe and at peace.

Increase Your Happiness with Window Design

Your home should feel welcoming, relaxing, and cozy. The right window treatments can help set the stage for a delightful welcome home each night, rejuvinating weekends, and an overall feeling of at-home coziness when you are relaxing in your favorite place.

To achieve this goal, you can experiment with home decor changes, including your windows, to achieve your ideal at-home bliss. Contact us today for custom drapes and blinds to complete your cozy room design.

Your home should feel welcoming, relaxing, and cozy. The right window treatments can help set the stage for a delightful welcome home each night, rejuvinating weekends, and an overall feeling of at-home coziness when you are relaxing in your favorite place.

To achieve this goal, you can experiment with home decor changes, including your windows, to achieve your ideal at-home bliss. Contact us today for custom drapes and blinds to complete your cozy room design.

What Your Window Treatment Says About You: A Personality-Based Guide

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:31:00 GMT

Your selection of window treatment products and services is not merely about getting a job done. Rather, if you look hard enough, you can find direct correlations between the type of person that you are and the window treatment that you select. We have created this personality-based guide to help you best discover what kind of window treatment truly matches your spirit.

The Dependable Type: Wooden Blinds

You are the person that all of your friends can count on. You are the type of person who truly sticks to your plans when you make them, and you are the type of person who will choose wooden blinds for your home. Privacy is important to you when selecting your blinds, and that is why you find yourself pulled into the idea of putting up wooden blinds. Besides that, they happen to be highly functional, and that's not something that you are willing to pass up either.

The Planner: Blackout Curtains

Those who value truly getting the most value out of their blinds or anything else that they install in their homes will think very carefully about their options. For those people, going with blackout curtains makes a lot of sense. They want to gain as much value as possible out of their options, and they know that they can significantly improve their quality of sleep and so much more when they opt for blackout curtains.

These also happen to be a great option for those who work night shifts or other odd hours and yet still want to enjoy their sleep. They need blackout curtains to help increase the quality of that sleep and allow themselves to get their day started right.

The Tech Enthusiast: Smart Shades

They roam among us: The type of people who are quick to adopt any new technology and get to work figuring out how it can improve their lives. These people are great because they are not afraid to take a risk and because they help to move our society forward. They simply want to get more out of each day, and they often do so by adopting and using the latest technologies.

These individuals will gravitate towards smart shades for the following attributes:

Innovation - Who wants to stick with the boring old ways of shading one's house? Smarter options are now available, and you better believe that the tech enthusiasts among us are willing to latch on to them.
Efficiency - These shades are a more efficient option for those who care about that kind of thing. They can be easily activated and set up to open or close automatically (how cool is that?!).
Progressive - The "cool" factor is a big deal for people who fall into this category as well. They might not admit to it right off the bat, but they care deeply about what others think about them. As such, they want window shades that have that cool factor attached to them.

The Dreamer: Sheer Curtains

Finally, we land upon the dreamer. This is the person who views every day for the possibilities that it can bring. They are not scared off by those with a negative attitude. If anything, they believe that they can change those people! Instead, the dreamer wants sheer curtains because they bring in soft light, open spaces, and bring about a feeling of possibility all throughout the house.

Sheer curtains are the ideal option for someone who classifies themselves in this way. They will receive plenty of compliments on their curtains, and they will appreciate how open they are to the world.

Which kind of person are you and which window treatment option makes the most sense for your personality? For more inspiration and ideas, reach out and contact us today.

5 Unexpected Places Homeowners Are Installing Outdoor Shades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:55:00 GMT

We all know and understand the concept of installing outdoor shades on a patio. It is the classic way to create a cool and comfortable space for yourself and your friends to spend some quality time together outdoors. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is limiting to think that the patio is the only part of one's property where outdoor shades are appropriate.

There are some surprising and unexpected places where homeowners have taken to installing outdoor shades recently. We want to take a look at some of these to provide you with ideas for your next home improvement project.

1) Balconies

Some homes are built quite close together, and some homeowners naturally feel like they would like to do more to protect their privacy. Although their neighbors might not intentionally be looking through their balconies, it is easy for the human eye to drift. Thus, some city-dwelling homeowners have made the choice to install outdoor shades in this area.

On top of keeping prying eyes off of your property, outdoor shades also block the sun rays from your balcony as well creating a more comfortable space to spend some time.

Some homes are built quite close together, and some homeowners naturally feel like they would like to do more to protect their privacy. Although their neighbors might not intentionally be looking through their balconies, it is easy for the human eye to drift. Thus, some city-dwelling homeowners have made the choice to install outdoor shades in this area.

On top of keeping prying eyes off of your property, outdoor shades also block the sun rays from your balcony as well creating a more comfortable space to spend some time.

2) Outdoor Kitchens

One of the most delightful social experiences that someone can have is to invite over a large group of friends for a meal cooked outside. It gives everyone the opportunity to share stories, laughes, and a bit of food all at the same time. Of course, this is best done in an outdoor kitchen.

Your outdoor kitchen is a space where you should feel comfortable and have the ability to entertain a large group of people all at the same time. This means looking at installing outdoor shades to provide an extra layer of protection from the heat of the sun. Thus, this has become another area where homeowners are quickly installing outdoor shades.

One of the most delightful social experiences that someone can have is to invite over a large group of friends for a meal cooked outside. It gives everyone the opportunity to share stories, laughes, and a bit of food all at the same time. Of course, this is best done in an outdoor kitchen.

Your outdoor kitchen is a space where you should feel comfortable and have the ability to entertain a large group of people all at the same time. This means looking at installing outdoor shades to provide an extra layer of protection from the heat of the sun. Thus, this has become another area where homeowners are quickly installing outdoor shades.

3) Poolside Lounges

Now we are really talking! Who doesn't love to kick back with their favorite cold beverage and spend some time relaxing next to the pool? That is what you can enjoy more completely when you set up a poolside lounge with outdoor shades.

Poolside lounges are meant to be a place where you can spend several hours at a time. However, it can get pretty hot while doing so if you don't put some outdoor shades in place. Get those shades up so you can let all of your worries melt away as you take in the smell of pool water and sunscreen.

Now we are really talking! Who doesn't love to kick back with their favorite cold beverage and spend some time relaxing next to the pool? That is what you can enjoy more completely when you set up a poolside lounge with outdoor shades.

Poolside lounges are meant to be a place where you can spend several hours at a time. However, it can get pretty hot while doing so if you don't put some outdoor shades in place. Get those shades up so you can let all of your worries melt away as you take in the smell of pool water and sunscreen.

4) Garden Areas

Do you enjoy a little gardening in your downtime? You might like it even more after setting up outdoor shades that protect you from the excessive heat of the sun.

Gardening is labor-intensive work and can take several hours of diligent labor to do it properly. However, you don't want to overextend yourself and end up getting physically overworked. Keeping some of the sun away is an excellent way to ensure that you don't overdo it. Just make sure that you check up on the sunlight needs of the various plants that you intend to put into your garden before installing outdoor shades.

Do you enjoy a little gardening in your downtime? You might like it even more after setting up outdoor shades that protect you from the excessive heat of the sun.

Gardening is labor-intensive work and can take several hours of diligent labor to do it properly. However, you don't want to overextend yourself and end up getting physically overworked. Keeping some of the sun away is an excellent way to ensure that you don't overdo it. Just make sure that you check up on the sunlight needs of the various plants that you intend to put into your garden before installing outdoor shades.

5) Exterior Windows

Did you know that it is possible to reduce your energy bills by installing outdoor shades? It's true! If you place outdoor shades on the exterior windows of your home, you can reduce the strain placed on your air conditioning by naturally reducing the overall temperature within your living space. This means less money out of your pocket and more money for working on your next project.

There are many interesting places where homeowners are installing outdoor shades these days. For more creative ideas on what you can do with yours, reach out and contact us now.

Did you know that it is possible to reduce your energy bills by installing outdoor shades? It's true! If you place outdoor shades on the exterior windows of your home, you can reduce the strain placed on your air conditioning by naturally reducing the overall temperature within your living space. This means less money out of your pocket and more money for working on your next project.

There are many interesting places where homeowners are installing outdoor shades these days. For more creative ideas on what you can do with yours, reach out and contact us now.

The #1 Blind Mistake People Make in Each Room- And How to Avoid Those Mistakes

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:50:00 GMT

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to someone trying to improve their home is to find that they have somehow made a common mistake. That person will be upset that they didn't stop and do a little research prior to making a change. That is why you are here today, and that is why we want to provide you with some details about the most common mistakes that people tend to make when putting up blinds in various rooms. Let's also examine how you can avoid making those same mistakes.

Living Room - Let the Sun Shine In!

A major mistake that many people make when setting up blinds in their living room is that they select an option that does not permit enough natural light to enter the room. Heavier blinds like this might have a look that you like, but you certainly don't want them to block out all of that natural light. That is just setting yourself up for a living room that is gloomy and unnatural. Go with a more lightweight option that allows plenty of light into your living room.

A major mistake that many people make when setting up blinds in their living room is that they select an option that does not permit enough natural light to enter the room. Heavier blinds like this might have a look that you like, but you certainly don't want them to block out all of that natural light. That is just setting yourself up for a living room that is gloomy and unnatural. Go with a more lightweight option that allows plenty of light into your living room.

Bathroom - Avoid Moisture Sensitive Blinds

Do you know what there is a lot of in any bathroom? Moisture! From the water running in the faucet to the moisture that gathers in the air after a shower, there is plenty of moisture in the atmosphere in any bathroom. Therefore, you must make sure that you don't use any kind of material that is moisture sensitive when it comes to your blinds in the bathroom.

Do you know what there is a lot of in any bathroom? Moisture! From the water running in the faucet to the moisture that gathers in the air after a shower, there is plenty of moisture in the atmosphere in any bathroom. Therefore, you must make sure that you don't use any kind of material that is moisture sensitive when it comes to your blinds in the bathroom.

Kitchen - Keep it Easy to Clean

The blinds that you set up in your kitchen should be easy to clean. These blinds are more likely to attract things that you want to clean off of them. Why? Because you will be doing all of your cooking in the kitchen, and it is all too easy for things to splatter or otherwise cause issues for you while you are working in the kitchen.

Make sure you use blinds that are straightforward and easy to clean when you set them up in your kitchen. Make things as easy as possible on yourself.

The blinds that you set up in your kitchen should be easy to clean. These blinds are more likely to attract things that you want to clean off of them. Why? Because you will be doing all of your cooking in the kitchen, and it is all too easy for things to splatter or otherwise cause issues for you while you are working in the kitchen.

Make sure you use blinds that are straightforward and easy to clean when you set them up in your kitchen. Make things as easy as possible on yourself.

Home Office - Watch Out for Glare

Many people have a home office set up so that they can get things done even while they are at home. That is a wonderful thing, but you also need to think carefully about your lighting needs when it comes to this. This is to say that you should look for blinds that do not cause excessive glare on the screens that you have in your home office. When you have blinds that keep the glare off of your screens, then you won't have to strain your eyes quite as much as you might have otherwise.

Many people have a home office set up so that they can get things done even while they are at home. That is a wonderful thing, but you also need to think carefully about your lighting needs when it comes to this. This is to say that you should look for blinds that do not cause excessive glare on the screens that you have in your home office. When you have blinds that keep the glare off of your screens, then you won't have to strain your eyes quite as much as you might have otherwise.

Dining Room - Don't Forget to Keep it Stylish

One room where you can truly focus on the stylish nature of your blinds is in the dining room. In fact, this is one area where style outweighs so many other considerations. You want blinds that go well with the other colors and styles that you have set up throughout your living room.

It is very easy to fall into making common mistakes when selecting blinds for different rooms in your home. Don't fall into the same traps that others have before you. It is now clear and obvious what you should do for each room in your home. Keep these tips in mind as you begin the search for the blinds that you require. For more detailed information about the mistakes that people commonly make with this purchase, reach out and contact us today.

One room where you can truly focus on the stylish nature of your blinds is in the dining room. In fact, this is one area where style outweighs so many other considerations. You want blinds that go well with the other colors and styles that you have set up throughout your living room.

It is very easy to fall into making common mistakes when selecting blinds for different rooms in your home. Don't fall into the same traps that others have before you. It is now clear and obvious what you should do for each room in your home. Keep these tips in mind as you begin the search for the blinds that you require. For more detailed information about the mistakes that people commonly make with this purchase, reach out and contact us today.

Best Options for Sheer Privacy: Your Guide to Private Sunshine

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:59:00 GMT

Sunshine can fill any room with a warm glow. It provides natural light and can even lift your mood. But there may be some rooms where you want both privacy and sunshine at the same time. You shouldn't have to block out the light to enjoy private rooms in your home. For these moments, having the right blinds or drapes can make all the difference. The answer is in sheer privacy, sheer and semi-sheer materials that let in the light without allowing others to see through your windows.

This is your guide to private sunshine: how to enjoy your privacy and warm natural light in any room.

Why Sheer Privacy Matters

There are many situations where sheer privacy is ideal. Bedrooms are warm and welcoming when filled with natural light, but privacy is paramount. Sheer window treatments can also bring sunshine into your living room without broadcasting family activities to the neighborhood. And if natural light helps you stay focused in your office, you can maintain professional security without worries by hanging sheer blinds and drapes so your computer screen is never visible through the window.

How can you achieve this perfect balance of sunshine and privacy? There are several types of blinds and drapes that can meet your needs.

Woven and Fabric Blinds

The right fabric or woven blinds can provide the perfect balance between light and privacy. Woven and fabric blinds are rarely completely opaque. Depending on your choice of material and weave, you can determine both how much light shines through and the level of visibility in your sheer material.

Fabric blinds use woven fabric to block visual access through your window while also acting as a diffuser for the sunlight. Woven blinds are made of grass or reeds and provide a similar effect. This can be used to cast gentle glowing light into your room at slightly dimmer-than-normal levels while showing silhouettes or less.

Slatted Blinds and Plantation Shutters

The most traditional answer is slatted blinds and plantation shutters. These methods use opaque angled slats that open to allow in some light without creating an easy line-of-sight from anywhere that a person outside might reasonably be standing. Slats pointed up or down welcome sunshine from various angles during the day but cannot be seen through until the slats are nearly horizontal.

Slatted blinds hang from the top, and the angle of the slats is controlled with a cord system. Today, pull cords and hanging loops are no longer used. Instead, a control wand or motorization is used to enhance home safety and convenience.

Plantation shutters are wood structures that are permanently installed or fold out over your windows. The slats are structured and controlled by pushing a ridge bar on the back of the shutter slats themselves.

Honeycomb Blinds

Honeycomb blinds are a type of fabric blinds that use honeycomb cells to provide greater insulation. Honeycomb blinds are not just energy-efficient, they also provide greater privacy by implementing layered fabric to create the honeycomb air pockets.

At the same time, the fabric used can bring in sunshine and act as a diffuser to spread gentle sunshine through your room. The honeycombs themselves also diffuse any silhouettes or shadows that might be seen through the fabric of the blind for greater privacy inside your rooms.

Semi-Sheer Drapery

If you prefer drapes, you can also select a sheer fabric as the innermost layer for your draperies. The fabric and the folds of the drapes combine to provide both a diffuser for sunshine and privacy. Drapery is the most likely to reveal shadows and silhouettes, but a style with more folds when the sheer layer is closed can obscure shapes and activities within to provide the privacy you need.

Private Sundrenched Rooms with Just Blinds

If you are looking to enjoy diffused sunshine and keep your rooms private at the same time, Just Blinds can help. Contact us today to explore your options for sheer privacy design with custom window treatments.

2025 Colors of the Year: How to Use Them in Your Home Design

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:54:00 GMT

Every year, the leading paint and decorator brands release their Color of the Year. Each organization theorizes which colors will be at the peak of interior design trends for the next 12 months, and the 2025 Colors of the Year have been released.

If you want your interior decor to match the mood of the year with the latest magazine-spread designs and eye-catching arrangements, now is your chance.

2025: A Year of Bold and Somber Tones

2025 rings in a year of regally subdued tones. They are at once both bold and somber, creating relaxed yet elevated living spaces through strong colors and muted hues. This is a marked contrast from the light and airy palette created by the colors of the year from 2024 featuring soft pinks, warm honeys, and renewing blues.

This year, the leading tones are dark red, deep purple, and dusty neutrals that make a space feel at once both cozy and formal.

2025 rings in a year of regally subdued tones. They are at once both bold and somber, creating relaxed yet elevated living spaces through strong colors and muted hues. This is a marked contrast from the light and airy palette created by the colors of the year from 2024 featuring soft pinks, warm honeys, and renewing blues.

This year, the leading tones are dark red, deep purple, and dusty neutrals that make a space feel at once both cozy and formal.

Stately Reds

If you love dark reds from brick to mohogany, then this is your year. Both Behr and C2 have named dark yet natural-tone reds as their colors of the year. They are perfect to make a room feel luxe and stately without the overwhelming quality, making these reds the perfect base color for walls and a great accent in an elegant room.

Rumors by Behr - A dusty red that is both light and dark at the same time. This muted town is a smooth, creamy rendition of faded brick that looks perfect with warm colors and red-hued wood furniture.

Raku by C2 - A bold, dark mahogany red that looks great for interiors and exteriors inspired by the ancient Japanese tea ceremony.

If you love dark reds from brick to mohogany, then this is your year. Both Behr and C2 have named dark yet natural-tone reds as their colors of the year. They are perfect to make a room feel luxe and stately without the overwhelming quality, making these reds the perfect base color for walls and a great accent in an elegant room.

Rumors by Behr - A dusty red that is both light and dark at the same time. This muted town is a smooth, creamy rendition of faded brick that looks perfect with warm colors and red-hued wood furniture.

Raku by C2 - A bold, dark mahogany red that looks great for interiors and exteriors inspired by the ancient Japanese tea ceremony.

Regal Purples

Purple is back in bold refrain for 2025 interior design. Between Violet by Minwax and Purple Basil by Glidden, you have an incredible palette to create the most regal of interiors, from primary colors to accents that pop. We love these rich tones that make any room stand out from the typical warm tones and neutrals that have ruled the roost for a decade.

Violet by Minwax - Violet by Minwax is not your typical violet. It is a deep, rich aubergine, the color of royal robes and the most luxurious paint. This majestic color will stand out no matter how you use it.

Purple Basil by Glidden - Purple Basil is a dusty reddish lavender that shares tones with charcoal and plum. It is somehow both somber and cheerful, warm yet subdued. Purple basil is a wonderful color for both primary walls and bold trim without overwhelming the space.

Purple is back in bold refrain for 2025 interior design. Between Violet by Minwax and Purple Basil by Glidden, you have an incredible palette to create the most regal of interiors, from primary colors to accents that pop. We love these rich tones that make any room stand out from the typical warm tones and neutrals that have ruled the roost for a decade.

Violet by Minwax - Violet by Minwax is not your typical violet. It is a deep, rich aubergine, the color of royal robes and the most luxurious paint. This majestic color will stand out no matter how you use it.

Purple Basil by Glidden - Purple Basil is a dusty reddish lavender that shares tones with charcoal and plum. It is somehow both somber and cheerful, warm yet subdued. Purple basil is a wonderful color for both primary walls and bold trim without overwhelming the space.

Relaxed Blues

Last year, blues were bright and full of energy with an aqua-green undercurrent. This year's blues are more relaxed, blending well with neutrals whether you're looking for a chill space or a summer tone.

Quietude by HGTV / Sherwin Williams - Quietude is the eggshell of blues. It is soft and faintly blue in hue while still giving the light neutral feel of a nearly-white painted room. It has the faint hues of a lightly cloudy sky.

Encore 8002 by Valspar - Encore 8002 is a bold, rich blue on the cheerful side of royal blue. It's deep but not dark, embracing what makes blue such a great color for decor.

Mapped Blue by Dutch Paint Boys - Mapped Blue reflects green-blue theme of last year but with this year's dusty trend. It's soft and comforting but with a touch of surprise that's not your everyday medium blue.

Subdued Neutrals

While red, purple, and blue may be our boldest tones, it's neutrals that rule the 2025 Color of the Year list. From deep yet soft Truffle to warm almost-pink cinnamon, you will find a surprisingly gorgeous palette of neutrals to work with as primary, accent, and rich detail tones in any room design. These colors can fall into the background or make your room pop.

Truffle by Stainmaster - Truffle is the darkest of the 2025 neutrals, blending honey with charcoal for a warm bold tone that looks amazing in boho or minimalist styles.

Mochi by Little Greene - Mochi is a warm medium neutral that naturally supports wooden furniture of all hues. It has undertones of milkey coffee but reflects light in a way that still brightens a room.

Caramelized by Dunn-Edwards - Caramelized is a tone that approaches boldly from the cheerful side, reminding us of dessert landscapes and faintly orange sunset skies.

Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin - Cinnamon Slate is a soft neutral that is just this side of dusty pink. It's described as a dreamy, velvety purple and brown that can add subtle richness to any space.

Mocha Mousse by Pantone - Mocha Mousee is a sophisticated neutral that reminds us of soft earth and smooth wood.

Using the Colors of the Year to Inspire Your 2025 Interior Design

These colors aren't just for paint, they can be used to enhance every element of your space. One of the best ways to introduce diversity and annual color trends into your home is through blinds and drapes. Choosing the perfect blinds can update your style to magazine-worthy arrangements for every year and season. Find the latest colors and styles at Just Blinds today.

Christmas Decorating Trends for the 2024 Season

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:32:00 GMT

It's hard to believe, but the Christmas season is already officially upon us, which means it is time to start decorating for the holiday. When it comes to decor, it might be about personal preference and what makes you feel nostalgic, but it is also important to pay attention to this year's top Christmas decorating trends. Let's take a deeper look at the 2024 trends that will help you create a festive holiday atmosphere.

Christmas Tree Alternatives

Traditional trees will always be in style, but this year, why not try a more unique option? Beaded trees, twig trees, and birch trees are among some of the most popular of the season and are a great choice for those who live in smaller spaces or those who have pets in the home. You can be as simple or elaborate as you like with this type of tree. Choose just one for an elegant, whimsical look, or put up several - either in a group or throughout the entire house.

Traditional trees will always be in style, but this year, why not try a more unique option? Beaded trees, twig trees, and birch trees are among some of the most popular of the season and are a great choice for those who live in smaller spaces or those who have pets in the home. You can be as simple or elaborate as you like with this type of tree. Choose just one for an elegant, whimsical look, or put up several - either in a group or throughout the entire house.

Non-Traditional Colors

There's really no reason to stick to classic red and green only. You can actually choose any color palette that you like to bring new life to your Christmas decor. Experiment with shades of blue and darker reds, or even a floral theme added to the traditional holiday colors that you've used in previous years. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a color scheme for Christmas, so don't shy away from your favorite shades of yellow, purple, gray and even orange.

There's really no reason to stick to classic red and green only. You can actually choose any color palette that you like to bring new life to your Christmas decor. Experiment with shades of blue and darker reds, or even a floral theme added to the traditional holiday colors that you've used in previous years. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a color scheme for Christmas, so don't shy away from your favorite shades of yellow, purple, gray and even orange.

Bows and Ribbons

Christmas ribbon is available in plenty of colors and patterns, so embrace the opportunity to get as creative as you want. You can put some festive bows in your windows or on the tree in place of Christmas ornaments. Tie some ribbon around champagne or wine glasses at your holiday party, tie a piece around candlesticks, or even use it to decorate your table by wrapping a pretty ribbon around the table legs or backs of the chairs.

Christmas ribbon is available in plenty of colors and patterns, so embrace the opportunity to get as creative as you want. You can put some festive bows in your windows or on the tree in place of Christmas ornaments. Tie some ribbon around champagne or wine glasses at your holiday party, tie a piece around candlesticks, or even use it to decorate your table by wrapping a pretty ribbon around the table legs or backs of the chairs.

Use Wrapping Paper as Decor

Instead of grabbing some of last year's leftover gift wrap, and then buying even more that doesn't complement the first pattern, coordinate your gift wrap to use as decor. Choose about four or five coordinating - not necessarily matching - types of paper and ribbons to wrap all your gifts with and place strategically under the tree. You can even wrap some empty boxes and place them strategically throughout the house. Try one or two on your coffee table, set up a small countertop display, and arrange a few on the mantle and along windowsills.

Instead of grabbing some of last year's leftover gift wrap, and then buying even more that doesn't complement the first pattern, coordinate your gift wrap to use as decor. Choose about four or five coordinating - not necessarily matching - types of paper and ribbons to wrap all your gifts with and place strategically under the tree. You can even wrap some empty boxes and place them strategically throughout the house. Try one or two on your coffee table, set up a small countertop display, and arrange a few on the mantle and along windowsills.

Take a Maximalist Approach

The more, the merrier, especially this year! Don't choose just a few of your favorite decorations to display....bring out everything and then some. According to interior designer Melissa Oholendt, maximalism is definitely the trend for 2024. She says, "Grandma's Santa Cookie plates? Yes, please! Vintage glass ornaments on the tree? Perfect. A stair banister drapery in layers and layers of lush greenery with ribbons tied into bows? Into it".

The more, the merrier, especially this year! Don't choose just a few of your favorite decorations to display....bring out everything and then some. According to interior designer Melissa Oholendt, maximalism is definitely the trend for 2024. She says, "Grandma's Santa Cookie plates? Yes, please! Vintage glass ornaments on the tree? Perfect. A stair banister drapery in layers and layers of lush greenery with ribbons tied into bows? Into it".

Have a Quirky Christmas

This is a great way to add to the fun. Add some random and unexpected items to the traditional Christmas decor for a unique touch and a way to incorporate your personality into your holiday display. Try putting some dinosaur toys among your nativity scene, or experiment with unusual themes and colors. You can even make some of your own creations to hang on the walls or in windows...doing a snowflake display in one window? Do a beach theme in another one! Decorate with non-traditional ornaments on the tree. There's no limit to what you can do, so let your imagination guide you.

At JustBlinds, we know that your decor is important, whether it be for the Christmas season or year-round. When it comes to choosing the perfect window treatments, we are here to help. To get started, contact us today.

https://www.thespruce.com/2024-holiday-decorating-trends-8726133

https://www.fizzbox.com/blog/posts/deck-the-halls-trending-christmas-decor-ideas-to-try-this-year

Stay Toasty this Winter

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:30:00 GMT

Winter is almost here, and with it comes low temperatures and freezing rain...not to mention high heating bills. Keeping your home warm can make you more comfortable, but it can also save money.

Here are some tips to stay warm without having to crank up the thermostat:

Maintain Your Heating System

A well-maintained heating system will keep your home warm for less energy. Having your heating system professionally serviced each fall will pay for itself...changing filters, checking for safety issues, etc. If your heating system is old, it might be time to price out replacing it, and in our relatively mild climate, a heat pump is a great investment.

A well-maintained heating system will keep your home warm for less energy. Having your heating system professionally serviced each fall will pay for itself...changing filters, checking for safety issues, etc. If your heating system is old, it might be time to price out replacing it, and in our relatively mild climate, a heat pump is a great investment.

Identify Drafts

Drafts and leaks typically happen where two different materials meet, especially around windows and doors. You can look for gaps or run your hand around the edge of the window and door. Then apply weatherstripping or caulk gaps as needed.

Drafts and leaks typically happen where two different materials meet, especially around windows and doors. You can look for gaps or run your hand around the edge of the window and door. Then apply weatherstripping or caulk gaps as needed.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fan

If you have a ceiling fan, it can help in the winter too. Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch . The blades rotate counter clockwise in summer, but clockwise in winter. Clockwise blades create an updraft, pushing the warm air that rises to your ceiling back down. Keep the fan at low speed.

If you have a ceiling fan, it can help in the winter too. Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch . The blades rotate counter clockwise in summer, but clockwise in winter. Clockwise blades create an updraft, pushing the warm air that rises to your ceiling back down. Keep the fan at low speed.

Harness Sunlight

On sunny days, open your window coverings on south-facing windows. Motorized window coverings make this easier. You don't have to clamber around furniture or reach and lean. If you have smart home technology, you can integrate motorized blinds so you can just tell them to open or change. You can even get sun sensors that automatically open your south-facing blinds when that wall detects direct sunlight.

On sunny days, open your window coverings on south-facing windows. Motorized window coverings make this easier. You don't have to clamber around furniture or reach and lean. If you have smart home technology, you can integrate motorized blinds so you can just tell them to open or change. You can even get sun sensors that automatically open your south-facing blinds when that wall detects direct sunlight.

Protect Doors

By their nature, exterior doors can't be sealed the way many windows can. You need to be able to open them. Installing a door sweep helps keep cold (or hot) air from getting into your home under the door. Draft stoppers are more popular in Europe, but are easy to acquire or make, and come in bright and cheerful designs such as snakes or Dachshund dogs. Both of these options will also keep out things like pollen and smoke.

By their nature, exterior doors can't be sealed the way many windows can. You need to be able to open them. Installing a door sweep helps keep cold (or hot) air from getting into your home under the door. Draft stoppers are more popular in Europe, but are easy to acquire or make, and come in bright and cheerful designs such as snakes or Dachshund dogs. Both of these options will also keep out things like pollen and smoke.

Leverage Window Coverings

Choose the right window coverings to keep heat into your home. Honeycomb shades are primarily used to keep heat out but work in both directions, and are available in all kinds of colors. Traditional drapery also works well for adding insulation to your windows and gives a classic appearance. Even better, pair drapery with roller shades for a layered look and extra privacy. Cellular blinds are well known for improving the overall energy efficiency of your windows.

By covering your windows on cold, gray days you keep heat in. Or cover just the north, east, and west windows, and let the sun in on the southern side. Best yet, window treatments are easy to install.

Choose the right window coverings to keep heat into your home. Honeycomb shades are primarily used to keep heat out but work in both directions, and are available in all kinds of colors. Traditional drapery also works well for adding insulation to your windows and gives a classic appearance. Even better, pair drapery with roller shades for a layered look and extra privacy. Cellular blinds are well known for improving the overall energy efficiency of your windows.

By covering your windows on cold, gray days you keep heat in. Or cover just the north, east, and west windows, and let the sun in on the southern side. Best yet, window treatments are easy to install.

Close Off Unused Rooms

If you have an empty guest room, or a room that's only used by your child when they're home from college, keep the doors shut and close the vents. You don't need to waste money heating space you aren't using.

You can also use zone heating to use minimal heating in these areas, so you can warm them up quickly if you have an unexpected guest.

If you have an empty guest room, or a room that's only used by your child when they're home from college, keep the doors shut and close the vents. You don't need to waste money heating space you aren't using.

You can also use zone heating to use minimal heating in these areas, so you can warm them up quickly if you have an unexpected guest.

Unblock Vents

Make sure you don't have anything covering your vents. Furniture, rugs, dog beds, etc. If you have small children or larger pets you may have to check your vents frequently to make sure toys, blankets, etc, haven't been pushed or dropped onto the vents.

Any vent blockage will cause uneven heating and put strain on your system.

One of the best ways to stay toasty this winter is window treatments. Choose honeycomb shades or cellular blinds, or heavy drapery to help keep heat in, and opt for motorized options so you can take advantage of south-facing windows on sunny days. To get more help choosing the right window treatments for your home, contact Just Blinds today.

Make sure you don't have anything covering your vents. Furniture, rugs, dog beds, etc. If you have small children or larger pets you may have to check your vents frequently to make sure toys, blankets, etc, haven't been pushed or dropped onto the vents.

Any vent blockage will cause uneven heating and put strain on your system.

One of the best ways to stay toasty this winter is window treatments. Choose honeycomb shades or cellular blinds, or heavy drapery to help keep heat in, and opt for motorized options so you can take advantage of south-facing windows on sunny days. To get more help choosing the right window treatments for your home, contact Just Blinds today.

Cordless Blinds: The New Standard for Safety in Window Coverings

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:30:00 GMT

Embracing the New Regulation in Window Covering Safety

Window coverings are an essential part of interior decor, light control, and comfort. Blinds and shades allow you to define your style and set the mood. They protect indoor materials from fading in UV rays, and they are a part of every home and office. Naturally, the design of your window coverings should be elegant, convenient, and safe.

Safety is the primary focus of the most recent regulations regarding window covering design. As of June 2024, all manufactured and custom-made blinds will avoid or minimize cord-based controls.

Window coverings are an essential part of interior decor, light control, and comfort. Blinds and shades allow you to define your style and set the mood. They protect indoor materials from fading in UV rays, and they are a part of every home and office. Naturally, the design of your window coverings should be elegant, convenient, and safe.

Safety is the primary focus of the most recent regulations regarding window covering design. As of June 2024, all manufactured and custom-made blinds will avoid or minimize cord-based controls.

The Importance of Blinds Safety

Blinds are part of every room in your home and any residential space. From your child's bedroom to the rooms of every hospital, blinds make a space more comfortable both in terms of aesthetic design and light control. This means that blinds must be designed in a way that not only enhances not just comfort, but also safety. Blinds are used in the bedrooms and living spaces of our most at-risk family and community members, from the very young to the very old.

The design of your blinds must be both easy to operate and absolutely safe. To achieve this goal, it is sometimes necessary to update design standards to eliminate risks that have existed with previous design standards. That is what the new window safety regulations seek to correct this year by eliminating corded blind controls.

Blinds are part of every room in your home and any residential space. From your child's bedroom to the rooms of every hospital, blinds make a space more comfortable both in terms of aesthetic design and light control. This means that blinds must be designed in a way that not only enhances not just comfort, but also safety. Blinds are used in the bedrooms and living spaces of our most at-risk family and community members, from the very young to the very old.

The design of your blinds must be both easy to operate and absolutely safe. To achieve this goal, it is sometimes necessary to update design standards to eliminate risks that have existed with previous design standards. That is what the new window safety regulations seek to correct this year by eliminating corded blind controls.

Why Are Corded Blinds Unsafe?

The centuries, blinds have been controlled by pull cords, either separate or looped cords. These controls make clever use of loop and pulleys to control either the slat direction or the raised level of the blinds. Unfortunately, both pull cords and loops have been found statistically to pose a health and safety risk, especially for very young children.

Corded blinds pose a strangling risk for toddlers and young children who might get tangled in the cords, which are mounted high above their heads. Cords also pose a potential risk for pets and for members of the community with limited dexterity or mobility, such as those who are disabled or elderly.

The centuries, blinds have been controlled by pull cords, either separate or looped cords. These controls make clever use of loop and pulleys to control either the slat direction or the raised level of the blinds. Unfortunately, both pull cords and loops have been found statistically to pose a health and safety risk, especially for very young children.

Corded blinds pose a strangling risk for toddlers and young children who might get tangled in the cords, which are mounted high above their heads. Cords also pose a potential risk for pets and for members of the community with limited dexterity or mobility, such as those who are disabled or elderly.

The 2024 Cordless Blinds Regulation

The 2024 Revised Window Safety regulation focuses on eliminating or drastically reducing the use of cords in blinds controls. This regulation covers

Separate cord controls

Continuous cord loops

Gathered multi-cord controls

The aim is to prevent the distribution of all free hanging operating cords, free hanging tilt cords and multiple cords into a cord connector. This regulation applies to all stock window coverings and custom made-to-order window coverings to ensure a universal increase in household safety. Blinds will either need to be cordless or have inaccessible helper cords that cannot be reached by children.

The 2024 Revised Window Safety regulation focuses on eliminating or drastically reducing the use of cords in blinds controls. This regulation covers

Separate cord controls
Continuous cord loops
Gathered multi-cord controls

The aim is to prevent the distribution of all free hanging operating cords, free hanging tilt cords and multiple cords into a cord connector. This regulation applies to all stock window coverings and custom made-to-order window coverings to ensure a universal increase in household safety. Blinds will either need to be cordless or have inaccessible helper cords that cannot be reached by children.

Modern Blind Control Alternatives

The good news is that this regulation is perfectly timed to align with recent innovations in blind control technology. While blinds relied on cords for centuries, this tradition is no longer necessary. Smart blinds, self-adjusting blinds, and advanced control blinds make it possible to leave cords behind. Not to mention a few tried-and-true cord alternatives like control wands and tension mounting.

The good news is that this regulation is perfectly timed to align with recent innovations in blind control technology. While blinds relied on cords for centuries, this tradition is no longer necessary. Smart blinds, self-adjusting blinds, and advanced control blinds make it possible to leave cords behind. Not to mention a few tried-and-true cord alternatives like control wands and tension mounting.

Smart and Automatic Blinds

Automatic blinds are a popular alternative to manual cords. They respond to a wireless signal to raise or lower, and to open or close the slats. This removes the need for pull cords and loops that might pose a home safety risk. Many automatic blinds also conveniently integrate with your smart home for voice controls and routines.

Automatic blinds are a popular alternative to manual cords. They respond to a wireless signal to raise or lower, and to open or close the slats. This removes the need for pull cords and loops that might pose a home safety risk. Many automatic blinds also conveniently integrate with your smart home for voice controls and routines.

Wand Controlled Blinds

Slat control has been possible using a turning wand for decades, but wand control has also been evolving. More advanced manual and automatic blinds can now be controlled with a safe hanging wand instead of cords. Automatic blind control wands may have button or directional push controls as well as the manual twist.

Slat control has been possible using a turning wand for decades, but wand control has also been evolving. More advanced manual and automatic blinds can now be controlled with a safe hanging wand instead of cords. Automatic blind control wands may have button or directional push controls as well as the manual twist.

Self-Adjusting Blinds

Self-adjusting blinds use a tension and spring loaded mechanism that allows you to raise or lower blinds by pushing up or pulling down on the rigid lower bar. These require no electric parts and no cords while still giving you responsive control over the level of your blinds.

Self-adjusting blinds use a tension and spring loaded mechanism that allows you to raise or lower blinds by pushing up or pulling down on the rigid lower bar. These require no electric parts and no cords while still giving you responsive control over the level of your blinds.

Beautiful and Safe Window Coverings with Just Blinds

If you are looking for elegant new blinds for your home that meet your aesthetic tastes, desire for light-control function, and offer the latest in home environment safety, Just Blinds is here to help. We offer stock and custom blinds that elegantly comply with the new cordless safety regulations through a variety of innovative manual and automatic blind control options. Contact us today to make your home beautiful, functional, and safe with cordless custom window coverings.

Transforming Your Home With The Just Blinds Difference

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 02:36:00 GMT

The Just Blinds Difference: Transforming Your Home with Style and Precision

Just Blinds has carved an over-35-year-long niche in the window treatment service community through top-notch quality and personalized service. We provide an unsurpassed range of window treatment products along with a customer-centric approach and tailored solutions.

Here's what makes Just Blinds stand out:

A Diverse Range of High-Quality Products

Just Blinds provides an extensive selection of window treatments, including plantation shutters, wood blinds, shades, custom drapery, and motorized solutions. Each product is designed with attention to detail, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Plantation Shutters: We offer classic window treatments in wood and faux wood. The shutters offer excellent light control, privacy, and energy efficiency.
Shades and Blinds: Options range from roller and honeycomb shades to wood and woven wood blinds. Each style of blinds caters to style preferences with close attention to functional needs.
Custom Drapery: Our custom drapery service provides an elegant touch of luxury. Choose from a wide range of fabrics, colors, and styles that enhance the home's decor.

Undecided? Consider the Just Blinds Difference

Shopping for home improvement services and products can be overwhelming. Look for these tiebreakers:

Better Business Bureau Membership. Just Blinds has been a proud member of BBB since 1999. Maintaining our A+ rating is a result of our commitment to transparency and integrity.
Expert Advice. Wondering what the best blinds and window treatments meet your home's special requirements? Our window treatment experts are available by chat, email, or phone.
Positive customer reviews. With nearly 200 five-star Google reviews and consistently positive customer comments on Facebook, hundreds of customers have complimented Just Blinds as the leader window treatments.

Bringing the Showroom to You--Personalized Consultation

One-on-one in-home consultations is the key to the Just Blinds personalized service. The consultation ensures that window treatment solutions meet the unique needs of the customer's home. Our expert representative brings the showroom to our Montgomery, Prattville, Birmingham, Lake Martin, and Auburn (and more) service areas. Expect the best advice and product demonstration while in the friendly confines of the home.

Expert Measuring and Professional Installation

Precision is key. To achieve the perfect fit for window treatments, Just Blinds provides expert measuring services. The Just Blinds professional installation team guarantees that every product is installed flawlessly, based on laser-accurate measurement for that stress-free polished look.

Embracing Modern Technology with Motorization

Our motorized window treatments can be controlled with the touch of a button. Integrate those motorized controls with smart home systems to add functionality to our window coverings. Motorization is especially handy in operating hard-to-reach windows and for customers needing convenient, effortless control.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction and Support

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of the Just Blinds difference. The Just Blinds mission is building lasting relationships. We strive to accomplish that mission by providing exceptional service and high-quality products.

Competitive Pricing and Attractive Financing Options

We understand that window treatments can be a significant home improvement investment. With competitive pricing and attractive financing options, Just Blinds makes it easier for customers to improve their homes without financial undue strain.

Choose Just Blinds to Make a Difference in Your Home Improvement Options

Choose Just Blinds for quality, precision, and exceptional customer service. Personalized consultations and expert measuring and a diverse range of high-quality products and modern motorized solutions provide a complete and satisfying window treatment experience. Transform your home today with Just Blinds and see the difference for yourself.

Let's Talk About Your Home Decorating Needs

Call, email, or send us a message on our contact webpage. Check us out on our Facebook account . Contact us . We'd love to hear from you.

Drapery Is Back

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 02:34:00 GMT

Drapery is Back!

Drapery has been considered an elegant way to shade your windows for centuries. In fact, it's one of the oldest window technologies in the world. Drapes originate from tent design. Hand-woven fabric was then used for centuries to protect both windows and doors from cold drafts, and to provide privacy. Drapes were even used around beds to keep them warmer.

Drapes have been used to divide large rooms and as decorative insulation in stone buildings. When plate glass was invented, drapes became decor that could be seen from the outside as well. When industrial fabric production was introduced, drapes became popular in all homes, not just the palaces and estates of the nobility.

Today, draperies still provide insulation and beauty, often in layers of different fabric weights to create the perfect balance of light, privacy, insulation, and elegance.

Why Should You Hang Drapes?

Drapes provide a variety of benefits depending on which layers you choose. Simple curtains provide privacy and light control, but layered drapes allow you to shape the light and temperature environment of any room.

Light, Darkness, and Diffusion

The weight of each fabric allows you to take control of the light in the room. Light and filmy curtains can diffuse sunlight rather than blocking it, making the light more gentle and potentially blocking harmful rays. Medium fabric can darken a room without blocking all the sunlight, and heavy drapes or blackout curtains can make a room theater-dark on command.

Insulation in Summer and Winter

Heavy drapes provide valuable insulation in both summer and winter, but are favored in winter. The fabric prevents temperature changes from being conveyed between the window glass and the room.

Shaping the Room's Style

The length and style of your drapes becomes a powerful element of your interior design. Floor to ceiling drapes make a room feel taller, heavy fabrics add a timeless elegance and gravitas, while shorter and lighter drapes create a more airy and contemporary style.

What Types of Drapes Should You Look For?

How should you build your drapery designs? Drapes often look best when built with layers that create the effect you desire. The common drapery layers include:

Filmy DrapesFilmy drapes provide light diffusion and privacy, allowing a room to be gently drenched in sunlight without those outside seeing into your room. They are often used as the innermost layer of drapes, facing the window.
Black Out CurtainsBlack-out curtains are a popular middle layer, allowing you to completely block light from the room separate from the decorative drapery layers.
Pleated DrapesPleated drapes are particularly rippled and look best when pulled back, but hold their shape when closed.
Flat or Printed DrapesHeavy drapes can be flat yet richly textured fabric, embroidered, or printed. Printed drapes add a subtle visual texture, while flat drapes are solid splashes of color in your interior design.

2024 Drapery Trends

What trends are leading the return of draperies to intrior design? 2024 has enjoyed several delightful drapery trends that you can explore for yourself.

Two-Tone Drapes

Two-tone drapes are drapes made of two fabrics sewn together, one facing the outer window and one facing the inner room. The outer fabric provides a lovely accent for the inner fabric when the drapes are pulled back.

Bold Colors

Bold drapes of strong colors are the perfect way to add a splash of personality or coordinate with your chosen accent color contrasting with the paint colors in each room.

Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains without additional layers have become a popular way to diffuse light into a sunny room, providing privacy and an ethereal glow of natural sunlight during the day.

Explore Drapes at Just Blinds

At JustBlinds, we're glad to introduce the latest in drapes, from trendy drapes with a lot of personality to classic drapes that bring elegance to any home design. We're experts in drapes as well as blinds, shutters and shades. Give us a call for a consultation.

Hot and Humid in the South: How to Stay Cool This Summer Indoors and Outdoors

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 22:06:00 GMT

Southern summers are hot and humid. Unfortunately, the air inside your home could be just as muggy and oppressive as the air around it. Although heat pumps and air conditioners provide combined temperature control and moisture regulation, they're rarely enough on their own for optimum comfort. In the interests of curbing your carbon footprint and your home energy bills, the following are several easy and efficient ways to keep cool this summer, both indoors and out.

Tips for Staying Cooling Indoors

You can limit the work that your cooling system has to do by creating a naturally cool and naturally cooling environment. Not only will this lower your HVAC-related energy use, but it will also reduce stress on your heat pump or air conditioner. You'll have fewer performance issues like icing, short-cycling, and overheating. Maintaining an efficient home could even extend the lifespan of your cooling equipment.

Leverage Your Window Treatments Wisely

Keep your blinds, curtains or other window treatments closed throughout the hottest portion of the day. However, for this tactic to work, you have to close them before your home has already taken in solar heat. It's always best to have light-blocking, heat-blocking, or blackout window treatments rather than lightweight sheers. Adding plantation shutters to the exterior of the building will tighten your home's envelope, keep more of your conditioned air inside, and greatly improve your home's curbside appeal.

Seal Up Air Leaks

Weatherstripping isn't just for preventing heat loss in the winter. It can also keep your living space cooler and drier in the summertime. Add weatherstripping to your windows and doors and seal up air leaks in general building materials. If you haven't done so in a while, you can also add more insulation to your home or upgrade to insulating materials with higher R-values. Having an efficient and tightly sealed home envelope will allow you to create and maintain the indoor climate you want irrespective of what's happening outside.

Keep Hydrated

Don't wait until you're thirsty to reach for a cool drink. According to Harvard Health, thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration . Staying hydrated is easier when you take small sips of water throughout the day rather than gulping down large quantities at once.

Wear Loose, Breathable Fabrics

When properly hydrated, the human body is effective at cooling itself. It does so by sweating. Wearing light, loose, breathable fabrics supports your body's natural cooling abilities. For the highest level of comfort, choose natural fabrics like linen or cotton that wick moisture away from the skin.

Set Your Ceiling Fans to Rotate Counterclockwise

Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in the summer months. Doing so will push a cooling breeze down and make your living space feel much colder than it actually is.

Hit Your Hot Zones With Cool Compresses

Cool down fast by applying cold compresses to your hot zones. Try placing one on the back of your neck, on your forehead, or in your armpits when overheated. You can even put your sheets or your pajamas in the freezer for several minutes just before going to bed.

Consider the Need for Additional Humidity Control

Heat pumps and ACs extract excess moisture during each cooling cycle. They convert this into condensation and route it out of homes via attached condensate drains. However, this is largely done to optimize operating conditions for heat pumps and ACs rather than for benefit of human users.

Humid air feels hotter and heavier than dry air. If your home feels excessively humid even when your HVAC system is on, consider adding whole-house dehumidification equipment as an integrated HVAC accessory.

Let Your Home Breathe at Night

When the sun sets and the daytime temperature drops, open a few windows and let fresh, outdoor air flow in. This is a great way to get rid of old, stale air and the trapped contaminants it contains.

Pets Matter, Too!

Don't forget about your feline and canine companions. Excessive panting and bright-red tongues and gums are signs of overheating. Keep your pets' water dishes full and let them experience the rapid relief of cold compresses, too.

Tips for Staying Cool Outdoors

On the hottest and most humid days of the year, staying cool outdoors can be a special challenge. Fortunately, there are many innovative products and strategies that make things a bit easier.

Invest in Cooling Towels

Purchase a few cooling towels. These work much like cold compresses, but they're portable and perfect for wicking moisture away from the skin.

Opt for Light-Colored Garments

Ditch your dark-colored duds and opt for light-colored garments instead. Summer is hardly the time for an all-black ensemble. Black absorbs heat while lighter colors reflect it.

Pack a Cooler

Don't leave home without a few icy beverages in tow. There are many soft-sided, personal coolers that will help you stay hydrated while out and about.

Bring Rechargeable, Portable Fans Along

Whether solar powered or supporting USB-charging, there are lots of portable fans to choose from. You can find options that attach to your head, hang just around the neck, or clip onto books and cellphones.

Know When to Say When!

The best tip for staying cool in the summer months is knowing when to say when. When outside humidity and heat become unbearable, know when to throw in the cooling towel and make your way indoors. To shop a fantastic selection of light and heat-blocking window treatments, get in touch with Just Blinds today!

5 Nursery Window Coverings That Grow With Your Child

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Sun, 12 May 2024 15:00:00 GMT

You may think you have decorated your nursery down to the last detail, filling it with pillows, blankets, and enough toys to keep your little one entertained. However, did you consider new window coverings to complete the look? Window coverings, also called window treatments , are a term for anything you use to dress your naked windows. For example, blinds, shades, and curtains are all window coverings. The ideal window covering fits the aesthetic of the room and helps makes the nursery comfortable for your baby. We at Just Blinds, Inc. have some advice to give you a better idea of what to look for.

What Should You Look for in a Window Covering?

You should choose your coverings carefully for a few reasons. The first reason is safety . The nursery should be your child's safe space, so always choose fire-safe fabrics and sturdy fixtures. Also, if you go with blinds, avoid ones that have long strings hanging down because they are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. The second reason is that window coverings play a vital role in making the area comfortable. The right coverings allow you to control light, room temperature, and how much privacy you have. Lastly, you want a covering that will grow with your child and not feel too juvenile when they get older. Here are some ideas for nursery window coverings that will age well with your child:

You should choose your coverings carefully for a few reasons. The first reason is safety . The nursery should be your child's safe space, so always choose fire-safe fabrics and sturdy fixtures. Also, if you go with blinds, avoid ones that have long strings hanging down because they are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. The second reason is that window coverings play a vital role in making the area comfortable. The right coverings allow you to control light, room temperature, and how much privacy you have. Lastly, you want a covering that will grow with your child and not feel too juvenile when they get older. Here are some ideas for nursery window coverings that will age well with your child:

Colorful Curtains

Curtains are great because they are so versatile. As long as you choose the right colors, they go with any room or aesthetic. Add color to a plain room with eye-catching curtains. For example, emerald green curtains make a statement against pastel pink walls. You could even paint the curtains by hand to match the wallpaper. Nursery curtains complete the look of your baby's room with ease.

Curtains are great because they are so versatile. As long as you choose the right colors, they go with any room or aesthetic. Add color to a plain room with eye-catching curtains. For example, emerald green curtains make a statement against pastel pink walls. You could even paint the curtains by hand to match the wallpaper. Nursery curtains complete the look of your baby's room with ease.

Shutters and Blinds

Window shutters and blinds make for a classic and functional aesthetic, allowing you to control how much light you allow into the room. Cordless blinds come in different materials such as aluminum, plastic, and wood, giving you the freedom to choose the one that matches best. For example, if you have wood-framed windows, consider getting wooden blinds to match. If white is too plain, buy colored blinds or paint the ones you get.

Window shutters and blinds make for a classic and functional aesthetic, allowing you to control how much light you allow into the room. Cordless blinds come in different materials such as aluminum, plastic, and wood, giving you the freedom to choose the one that matches best. For example, if you have wood-framed windows, consider getting wooden blinds to match. If white is too plain, buy colored blinds or paint the ones you get.

Shades

Shades also help control the amount of light that comes in, but they roll down from the top of the window. Roman shades roll into themselves for a sleek look while raised. Roman shades can be available in many different colors, styles and patterns. These shades have a cord on the inside so they don't pose as a choking hazard, but if that is still a concern, you could opt for roller or honeycomb shades instead.

Shades also help control the amount of light that comes in, but they roll down from the top of the window. Roman shades roll into themselves for a sleek look while raised. Roman shades can be available in many different colors, styles and patterns. These shades have a cord on the inside so they don't pose as a choking hazard, but if that is still a concern, you could opt for roller or honeycomb shades instead.

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are the practical choice, blocking out all extra light so your baby can have a relaxing naptime. These curtains are especially ideal if you live in an area that stays light late. Go straight to the curtains or use a blackout liner for an additional layer.

Blackout curtains are the practical choice, blocking out all extra light so your baby can have a relaxing naptime. These curtains are especially ideal if you live in an area that stays light late. Go straight to the curtains or use a blackout liner for an additional layer.

Light-Blocking Layers

Who says that you have to stick to one style of covering? For example, you can use a combination of lightweight curtains and blinds to filter the light that comes through. You could also use blackout panels with a curtain layer for that soft aesthetic look while also limiting the light that comes in while your baby naps.

Windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which can make finding the right curtains at a store difficult. You might also need help measuring your windows to find the right size blinds. Just Blinds, Inc. is here to help. We specialize in the design and installation of custom blinds, shades, and more. We also provide in-home consultations to help you select the best window coverings for your space. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Who says that you have to stick to one style of covering? For example, you can use a combination of lightweight curtains and blinds to filter the light that comes through. You could also use blackout panels with a curtain layer for that soft aesthetic look while also limiting the light that comes in while your baby naps.

Windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which can make finding the right curtains at a store difficult. You might also need help measuring your windows to find the right size blinds. Just Blinds, Inc. is here to help. We specialize in the design and installation of custom blinds, shades, and more. We also provide in-home consultations to help you select the best window coverings for your space. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Up Your Home Office With These Inspirational Ideas

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:29:00 GMT

Up Your Home Office Game With These Inspirational Ideas

As the the remote work trend grows, more people are working from home now than ever before. The home office has become an essential part of home design, and it's become more than just a spare room with a desk. Your home office is your personal workplace, one that you have complete control over. What began as a backup plan has become a permanent fixture, and you can design it any way you want.

Whether you've always dreamed of a bright and sunny office, a light-protected focus zone, or an adaptive space that shifts with your mood, it can be yours. All that stands between you and your dream office is a little redecoration.

As the the remote work trend grows, more people are working from home now than ever before. The home office has become an essential part of home design, and it's become more than just a spare room with a desk. Your home office is your personal workplace, one that you have complete control over. What began as a backup plan has become a permanent fixture, and you can design it any way you want.

Whether you've always dreamed of a bright and sunny office, a light-protected focus zone, or an adaptive space that shifts with your mood, it can be yours. All that stands between you and your dream office is a little redecoration.

Design Your Ideal Home Office

Everyone has an ideal office environment. Each of us is happiest and the most focused under different conditions. It's one of the things that makes working from home so great compared to working in corporate-designed shared office.

Envision the office environment you've always wanted. Do you want bright colors or stately elegance? Potted plants or mounted screens? A dedicated design table or extra space to move around? Your ideal home office is at your fingertips.

Everyone has an ideal office environment. Each of us is happiest and the most focused under different conditions. It's one of the things that makes working from home so great compared to working in corporate-designed shared office.

Envision the office environment you've always wanted. Do you want bright colors or stately elegance? Potted plants or mounted screens? A dedicated design table or extra space to move around? Your ideal home office is at your fingertips.

Repaint and Refinish

Your office can be any color palette you desire. All you need is a few cans of paint and wood finish to make it happen. If eggshell white isn't your thing, you can choose an all-new palette of colors and finishes. Design an office that makes you feel calm and focused, with an elegance that makes you smile every time you enter your inner sanctum.

You can make your office feel light and airy or beautifully formal. You can design the perfect backdrop for video calls and create an uplifting work environment all at the same time. Consider a solid color for the walls, a nice accent for the trim and cabinetry, and a complimentary wood or metal finish for your desk and furniture.

Your office can be any color palette you desire. All you need is a few cans of paint and wood finish to make it happen. If eggshell white isn't your thing, you can choose an all-new palette of colors and finishes. Design an office that makes you feel calm and focused, with an elegance that makes you smile every time you enter your inner sanctum.

You can make your office feel light and airy or beautifully formal. You can design the perfect backdrop for video calls and create an uplifting work environment all at the same time. Consider a solid color for the walls, a nice accent for the trim and cabinetry, and a complimentary wood or metal finish for your desk and furniture.

Rearrange the Furniture

Speaking of furniture, this is your chance to optimize your ergonomics. Try an all-new desk design that perfectly supports your working style. Give yourself a wrap-around space with plenty of storage or a lightly furnished space where you can exercise and clear your thoughts. Place organizational features in the perfect locations for your reach and workflow and docking stations for all your devices.

Give yourself the perfect number of screens, get your keyboard and mouse at just the right height, or even get a desk that converts between sitting and standing heights. Find the perfect office chair and enhance your comfort with a mini-fridge or kettle that makes your day complete.

Speaking of furniture, this is your chance to optimize your ergonomics. Try an all-new desk design that perfectly supports your working style. Give yourself a wrap-around space with plenty of storage or a lightly furnished space where you can exercise and clear your thoughts. Place organizational features in the perfect locations for your reach and workflow and docking stations for all your devices.

Give yourself the perfect number of screens, get your keyboard and mouse at just the right height, or even get a desk that converts between sitting and standing heights. Find the perfect office chair and enhance your comfort with a mini-fridge or kettle that makes your day complete.

Take Control of the Light Levels

Light levels play an important role in any working environment. You can install a brighter bulb or even a smart bulb in your overhead lights for clear, high-quality light to work by. You can add accent lights and task lights to illuminate specific areas of the room. If you love natural light, you can also take control with dynamic shades and blinds on the window.

One of the best upgrades for a home office is adaptive light-filtering shades. You can set the light based on your mood and focus level any time of day. You can combine black-out blinds with cellular or Roman shades for an efficient and layered look, and even motorize your shades to control exactly how much natural light you let in depending on your task and the time of day.

Light levels play an important role in any working environment. You can install a brighter bulb or even a smart bulb in your overhead lights for clear, high-quality light to work by. You can add accent lights and task lights to illuminate specific areas of the room. If you love natural light, you can also take control with dynamic shades and blinds on the window.

One of the best upgrades for a home office is adaptive light-filtering shades. You can set the light based on your mood and focus level any time of day. You can combine black-out blinds with cellular or Roman shades for an efficient and layered look, and even motorize your shades to control exactly how much natural light you let in depending on your task and the time of day.

Integrate Smart Home Features

Smart home features are a great update for your home office. A smart speaker can act as an intercom with the rest of the house, help you keep notes, and play music through linked Bluetooth speakers in the room. Smart lights and smart-home-connected motorized blinds give you complete control over the light levels in your office. You might also enjoy little extras like a voice-controlled fan, a smart thermostat to keep your office at exactly the right temperature, or digital frames to display your own album of artwork and photos.

Smart home features are a great update for your home office. A smart speaker can act as an intercom with the rest of the house, help you keep notes, and play music through linked Bluetooth speakers in the room. Smart lights and smart-home-connected motorized blinds give you complete control over the light levels in your office. You might also enjoy little extras like a voice-controlled fan, a smart thermostat to keep your office at exactly the right temperature, or digital frames to display your own album of artwork and photos.

Enhance Your Home Office with Custom and Smart Blinds

Here at Just Blinds, we can help you transform your home office into your ideal work environment. Select your favorite design, fabric, and color of light-adaptive shades and blinds powered by smart-home motorized systems. Contact us today to find home office window treatments that are beautiful, uplifting, and delightfully versatile.

Are Plantations Shutters Still a Solid Option?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:53:00 GMT

You are looking to change your windows, but you have some questions. Would plantation shutters look good in my house? Are they still in style, and how long do they last? New shutters are not permanent, but they are an undertaking, and plantation shutters will last a lifetime if you want them to, so you want to ensure that you get them right the first time. The good news is that plantation shutters never go out of style, and there are many benefits to dressing your windows with this durable option.

What Are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters are window coverings that instantly add an air of elegance to any room. They are usually made of wood, but some newer versions use faux wood to achieve the same look. They are installed on the interior of the window and function much like regular blinds since you can angle the wood slats like you would traditional blinds. Not only do they look amazing, but plantation shutters also come with significant benefits.

Plantation shutters are window coverings that instantly add an air of elegance to any room. They are usually made of wood, but some newer versions use faux wood to achieve the same look. They are installed on the interior of the window and function much like regular blinds since you can angle the wood slats like you would traditional blinds. Not only do they look amazing, but plantation shutters also come with significant benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Plantation Shutters

Of course, plantation shutters have many benefits. Otherwise, people wouldn't talk about them as much as they do. Here are just a few of the more talked-about benefits of plantation shutters.

Pure Aesthetics

Plantation shutters' solid look instantly gives them a high-class aesthetic that people will love. Adding these shutters can instantly enhance the look of a room like a fresh coat of paint.

Privacy and Light Control

These heavy shutters will completely block outside light when fully closed. Since you can adjust the shutters to be fully horizontal or vertical, you can easily adjust how much light enters a room and from which direction. If no light gets in, that also means that no one can see through your blinds, making these the best shutters for total privacy.

These heavy shutters will completely block outside light when fully closed. Since you can adjust the shutters to be fully horizontal or vertical, you can easily adjust how much light enters a room and from which direction. If no light gets in, that also means that no one can see through your blinds, making these the best shutters for total privacy.

Sound Suppression

Again, since these shutters can be closed and are made of thick material, they are an incredible sound barrier. This is a fantastic option for those living near noisy streets and highways.

Durable and Easy-To-Clean

One more reason people love switching to plantation shutters is their ease of care. They last a long time, don't get brittle or break like traditional blinds, and are way easier to clean. They also take less time to finish and look better.

One more reason people love switching to plantation shutters is their ease of care. They last a long time, don't get brittle or break like traditional blinds, and are way easier to clean. They also take less time to finish and look better.

Energy Efficient

Since these shutters are so thick, they act as insulators, preventing air exchange through the windows and keeping sunlight from heating surfaces in the house.

What to Consider When Choosing Plantation Shutters

Not all plantation shutters are the same, and there are a few things you should consider before buying.

Work With a Reputable Company

Unfortunatley, some companies see shutter installation as a job and not part of someone's home. Plantation shutters need precision installation to reach their full potential, so you want to work with a company with proven results and reviews. DIYers may be considering installing these shutters themselves, but it takes professional tools and experience to get them exactly where they need to go.

Unfortunatley, some companies see shutter installation as a job and not part of someone's home. Plantation shutters need precision installation to reach their full potential, so you want to work with a company with proven results and reviews. DIYers may be considering installing these shutters themselves, but it takes professional tools and experience to get them exactly where they need to go.

The Size of the Shutters

Sometimes called louvers, the slats of the blinds come in many sizes. The size of the louvers will impact how the room looks, so it is essential that you try different looks to see how they transform your room before you make a final decision.

Sometimes called louvers, the slats of the blinds come in many sizes. The size of the louvers will impact how the room looks, so it is essential that you try different looks to see how they transform your room before you make a final decision.

Materials

You will want to decide if you want a more traditional look with wood or a more contemporary look with faux wood. Other materials, such as locks, invisible hinges, and shutter pulls, can also upgrade your shutters.

You will want to decide if you want a more traditional look with wood or a more contemporary look with faux wood. Other materials, such as locks, invisible hinges, and shutter pulls, can also upgrade your shutters.

Are They A Good Investment?

Plantation shutters cost a little more, but they are one of those home improvements where you get what you pay for. They last a lifetime, so over the lifetime of your plantation shutters, you would probably end up buying the equivalent cost, if not more, in traditional blinds. Finally, their energy efficiency means that these blinds will likely pay for themselves in energy costs over time. For a long-lasting, quality product, choose plantation shutters. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and give your windows the love they deserve.

The Leading Window Treatment Trends of 2024

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 19:21:00 GMT

Each year, styles in window treatments come and go. Trends that were hot last year may carry over to the new interior decor season or may be replaced by something new. In 2024, we are looking at a delightful set of trends in blinds, shades, and curtains that embrace the developing attitudes and popular colors that are already giving the year a unique stylistic personality.

At Just Blinds, we are delighted to keep up with the trends, helping homeowners, designers, and property managers to create stunning spaces that align with the latest in window treatment trends.

The Hot Trends of 2023 Blinds and Shades

Last year in 2023, we saw a great collection of trends, many of which have evolved and strengthened with the new year. 2023 explored the innovations of cell shades and honeycomb shades for the benefits of insulation and light control. Motorization gained a prominant place in both home and office design, and decorators discovered the dynamic possibilities of shades that operate from both the bottom and the top on floor-to-ceiling tracks.

Texture saw a real debut with natural colors like wood finishes, linen, dusty rose, and moss green. Though bold patterns also had their day in the sun.

Last year in 2023, we saw a great collection of trends, many of which have evolved and strengthened with the new year. 2023 explored the innovations of cell shades and honeycomb shades for the benefits of insulation and light control. Motorization gained a prominant place in both home and office design, and decorators discovered the dynamic possibilities of shades that operate from both the bottom and the top on floor-to-ceiling tracks.

Texture saw a real debut with natural colors like wood finishes, linen, dusty rose, and moss green. Though bold patterns also had their day in the sun.

The Trending 2024 Window Treatments

In 2024, you may recognize a few trends still going strong from the year before, which is good news for those who decorated last year because your style is likely still right on-trend. But we are also seeing new trends developing with elegant enthusiasm.

In 2024, you may recognize a few trends still going strong from the year before, which is good news for those who decorated last year because your style is likely still right on-trend. But we are also seeing new trends developing with elegant enthusiasm.

Smart Home Blinds

The trend for motorized shades has naturally evolved to favor smart home controls. With a simple voice command, you can take control of all the motorized shades in a room, in your entire home, or set each shade to exactly the height and opacity you desire.

The trend for motorized shades has naturally evolved to favor smart home controls. With a simple voice command, you can take control of all the motorized shades in a room, in your entire home, or set each shade to exactly the height and opacity you desire.

Warm Neutrals and Bold Natural Colors

Color trends favor a more natural palette. Neutral colors are warmer, even the grays and charcoals have a honey undertone, while natural colors like mossy and forest green are growing stronger in hue paired with a jewelbox of flower petal colors.

If you're following the Colors of the Year, you may have also noticed an adoration of ocean blues, and you can match those blues with slightly darker or lighter blinds for beautiful effect.

Color trends favor a more natural palette. Neutral colors are warmer, even the grays and charcoals have a honey undertone, while natural colors like mossy and forest green are growing stronger in hue paired with a jewelbox of flower petal colors.

If you're following the Colors of the Year, you may have also noticed an adoration of ocean blues, and you can match those blues with slightly darker or lighter blinds for beautiful effect.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Materials

Natural materials and textures were popular in 2023, and 2024 takes this trend even further. Blinds made out of recycled materials are now on the rise alongside the growing popularity of blinds made from super-sustainable plants like bamboo, hemp, jute, and grass cloth. These offer natural colors, dynamic textures, and the delight of eco-friendly design.

Natural materials and textures were popular in 2023, and 2024 takes this trend even further. Blinds made out of recycled materials are now on the rise alongside the growing popularity of blinds made from super-sustainable plants like bamboo, hemp, jute, and grass cloth. These offer natural colors, dynamic textures, and the delight of eco-friendly design.

Gauzy Sheer Elegance

Sheer curtains and semi-sheer blinds are also in fashion; a classic style that has been floating near the top of popularity for literal centuries. Sheer curtains and blinds maintain privacy while allowing sunlight into the room in a gently diffused glow. They also layer excellently with more robust window treatments.

Sheer curtains and semi-sheer blinds are also in fashion; a classic style that has been floating near the top of popularity for literal centuries. Sheer curtains and blinds maintain privacy while allowing sunlight into the room in a gently diffused glow. They also layer excellently with more robust window treatments.

Creative Window Treatment Layering

Speaking of layering, we are seeing an enthusiastic embrace of creatively layered styles. Wooden shutters, gauzy curtains, and black-out blinds are among the most popular layers, but decorators are getting creative with how they choose to to layer their window treatments, using both multiple fabrics and structures at the same time.

Speaking of layering, we are seeing an enthusiastic embrace of creatively layered styles. Wooden shutters, gauzy curtains, and black-out blinds are among the most popular layers, but decorators are getting creative with how they choose to to layer their window treatments, using both multiple fabrics and structures at the same time.

Find the Blinds that Best Suit Your Needs

How can you choose fantastic and on-trend blinds that perfectly suit your design needs? Fortunately, the diversity of this year's trends leave room for almost any personal sense of style and the individual needs of each room's windows.

Start with the size of your windows and your room's existing color palette. Decide if you want to match, accent, or contrast the colors of the room. Then choose the opacity, privacy, and level of motorized control you desire.

This should guide you toward a specific selection that will work well for your room. From there, it's a matter of specific features and your personal sense of style.

How can you choose fantastic and on-trend blinds that perfectly suit your design needs? Fortunately, the diversity of this year's trends leave room for almost any personal sense of style and the individual needs of each room's windows.

Start with the size of your windows and your room's existing color palette. Decide if you want to match, accent, or contrast the colors of the room. Then choose the opacity, privacy, and level of motorized control you desire.

This should guide you toward a specific selection that will work well for your room. From there, it's a matter of specific features and your personal sense of style.

Reach Out for Expert and On-Trend Advice

If you are getting ready to decorate a room and want the perfect window treatments for 2024, we are only a phonecall or a visit away. Give us a call for expert advice in the right blinds or shades for each window in your home. Our on-trend window treatment experts will be glad to help tailor your window treatment design to your personal tastes, the latest trends, and the style of each of your rooms.

If you are getting ready to decorate a room and want the perfect window treatments for 2024, we are only a phonecall or a visit away. Give us a call for expert advice in the right blinds or shades for each window in your home. Our on-trend window treatment experts will be glad to help tailor your window treatment design to your personal tastes, the latest trends, and the style of each of your rooms.

Peach Fuzz: The 2024 Pantone Color of the Year

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:22:00 GMT

Peach Fuzz: The 2024 Pantone Color of the Year

Pantone is one of the leading paint manufacturers in the world. They are also the originators of the Pantone Color Systems, a universal language of color that empowers designers to identify exactly the hue, depth and shade of color desired in every palette.

Each year, Pantone examines the trends of interior design and names a Color of the Year for the upcoming year.

Peach Fuzz: Sparking Joy for 2024

This year, the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz - a soft pink with orange highlights that inspires a warm, cheerful environment. Designers claim that Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture and to feel comforted with an all-around embrace. The theme of Peach Fuzz design is "sharing kindness."

Leatrice Esiman, the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, says that Peach Fuzz enriches the mind, body, and soul, resonating with compassion. The color radiates with warmth and modern elegance, offering a tactile embrace and timeless youth.

This year, the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz - a soft pink with orange highlights that inspires a warm, cheerful environment. Designers claim that Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture and to feel comforted with an all-around embrace. The theme of Peach Fuzz design is "sharing kindness."

Leatrice Esiman, the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, says that Peach Fuzz enriches the mind, body, and soul, resonating with compassion. The color radiates with warmth and modern elegance, offering a tactile embrace and timeless youth.

Why is the Pantone Color of the Year Important?

The Pantone Color of the Year is based on cutting-edge interior design trends. It is defined by the color preferences of the year before and will serve to inspire many interior designs for the year to come. In fact, artists, fashion designers, and other color-driven visionaries also take their cue from the Pantone Color of the Year. It sets the mood, both for our decorating and the year itself.

The Pantone Color of the Year is based on cutting-edge interior design trends. It is defined by the color preferences of the year before and will serve to inspire many interior designs for the year to come. In fact, artists, fashion designers, and other color-driven visionaries also take their cue from the Pantone Color of the Year. It sets the mood, both for our decorating and the year itself.

How Can You Incorporate Peach Fuzz Into Your Life?

No matter how you feel about nurturing or closeness, Peach Fuzz is definitely a warm and cheerful color. It can brighten any room and adds a touch of personality to any design.

If you love Peach Fuzz as much as Pantone does and want to incorporate the 2024 Color of the Year into your home decor, summer is a great time to try out this bright hue.

No matter how you feel about nurturing or closeness, Peach Fuzz is definitely a warm and cheerful color. It can brighten any room and adds a touch of personality to any design.

If you love Peach Fuzz as much as Pantone does and want to incorporate the 2024 Color of the Year into your home decor, summer is a great time to try out this bright hue.

Repaint a Room

If you adore Peach Fuzz as a paint color, consider repainting a room. Peach Fuzz makes an inviting primary wall color, but it is also an enchandingly cheerful accend. Painting the trim of any room a warm Peach Fuzz could add personality without overwhelming the space.

If you adore Peach Fuzz as a paint color, consider repainting a room. Peach Fuzz makes an inviting primary wall color, but it is also an enchandingly cheerful accend. Painting the trim of any room a warm Peach Fuzz could add personality without overwhelming the space.

A New Palette of Throws

Peach Fuzz is also a fun hue when incorporated into the palette of soft decor in your living room. Choose a variety of knit blankets and throw pillows in soft pinks, oranges, and golden yellows that make Peach Fuzz elements stand out.

Peach Fuzz is also a fun hue when incorporated into the palette of soft decor in your living room. Choose a variety of knit blankets and throw pillows in soft pinks, oranges, and golden yellows that make Peach Fuzz elements stand out.

A Vibrant Rug

Everyone loves a deep pile carpet, whether it's a throw rug or a beautiful living room area rug. Choose a vibrant pattern where Peach Fuzz plays a central color theme.

New Blinds and Curtains

You can always bring a little warmth and personality into a room with new blinds or curtains. Peach Fuzz blinds can add a dash of style in this welcoming color. Soft orange-pink blinds look great in bedrooms, offices, kitchens, and living rooms depending on your personal decor style.

You can always bring a little warmth and personality into a room with new blinds or curtains. Peach Fuzz blinds can add a dash of style in this welcoming color. Soft orange-pink blinds look great in bedrooms, offices, kitchens, and living rooms depending on your personal decor style.

What are the Color Predictions for Next Year?

Color trends have been warming up over the past few years. Cool grays have become warm grays. Neutral tones tend toward rich brown, soft green, and warm honey - colors Peach Fuzz looks fantastic within a shared palette.

But we have also seen a rise in aquatic blues. Many of the other paint manufacturers named a green-tinted blue (of various depths and hues) as their 2024 colors of the year. Next year, we may see a soft flower petal color like lavender or perhaps a milky yellow that gently brightens a room. But the color Pantone will choose to represent 2025 remains a mystery.

Color trends have been warming up over the past few years. Cool grays have become warm grays. Neutral tones tend toward rich brown, soft green, and warm honey - colors Peach Fuzz looks fantastic within a shared palette.

But we have also seen a rise in aquatic blues. Many of the other paint manufacturers named a green-tinted blue (of various depths and hues) as their 2024 colors of the year. Next year, we may see a soft flower petal color like lavender or perhaps a milky yellow that gently brightens a room. But the color Pantone will choose to represent 2025 remains a mystery.

Explore Peach Fuzz Decor for the 2024

The Pantone 2024 Color of the Year is the vibrant Peach Fuzz. If you're looking for ways dive into cutting-edge interior decor, Just Blinds can help you celebrate this year's signature color with a selection of warm blinds, shades, and more. Contact us today to explore color and fabric options for your favorite window treatment designs.

The Pantone 2024 Color of the Year is the vibrant Peach Fuzz. If you're looking for ways dive into cutting-edge interior decor, Just Blinds can help you celebrate this year's signature color with a selection of warm blinds, shades, and more. Contact us today to explore color and fabric options for your favorite window treatment designs.

The Top Window Choices per Category in 2023

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:39:00 GMT

In 2023, interior trends are more advanced than ever before and offer a wide range of options to suit any home decor or lifestyle. Researching the newest developments will ensure that you get the best product for your money when deciding to add a new touch to your windows. Choosing the right coverings is a matter of determining what you value the most, visualizing how it would appear, and then partnering with experts such as Just Blinds to ensure that your dream becomes a reality.

Most advanced & innovative window blinds

Imagine being able to open or close your blinds without even getting out of bed. Thanks to remote-controlled motorized blinds , that is now a reality. As a homeowner, you know best how the sun shines through certain windows during the morning or afternoon. If you have an eastward-facing bedroom window, for example, you're likely familiar with how the sun streams into your room as it rises. With motorized blinds, you can set a schedule to open or close based on your specific needs, such as wanting to sleep in without being roused by the sun's light as it peeks over the horizon.

Imagine being able to open or close your blinds without even getting out of bed. Thanks to remote-controlled motorized blinds , that is now a reality. As a homeowner, you know best how the sun shines through certain windows during the morning or afternoon. If you have an eastward-facing bedroom window, for example, you're likely familiar with how the sun streams into your room as it rises. With motorized blinds, you can set a schedule to open or close based on your specific needs, such as wanting to sleep in without being roused by the sun's light as it peeks over the horizon.

Best window covering options for privacy

Blackout window drapes are an ideal choice for those seeking an unparalleled sense of privacy. These coverings are comprised of completely opaque, heavy materials such as velvet or suede and significantly reduce visibility and light from the outside. Although there are other window coverings that are also sufficient to completely cover a window, using thicker cloth can boost the psychological perception of seclusion. Blackout window coverings also offer superior noise reduction compared to other options, making them an all-in-one solution for reducing sounds like traffic which can be a blessing if you live on a busy street.

Blackout window drapes are an ideal choice for those seeking an unparalleled sense of privacy. These coverings are comprised of completely opaque, heavy materials such as velvet or suede and significantly reduce visibility and light from the outside. Although there are other window coverings that are also sufficient to completely cover a window, using thicker cloth can boost the psychological perception of seclusion. Blackout window coverings also offer superior noise reduction compared to other options, making them an all-in-one solution for reducing sounds like traffic which can be a blessing if you live on a busy street.

Most eco-friendly window coverings

Eco-friendly window coverings have the primary goal of preventing heat loss in the winter, or preventing it from entering from outside in the summer. This means your heater and air conditioner don't have to work as hard, resulting in less energy being used and a lower bill for you at the end of the month. Although blackout curtains are quite effective at this task, there's also a middle ground to shoot for. Solar shades excel at blocking UV rays while still allowing natural light into your home, and are a less extreme option compared to completely opaque materials. Letting some light through allows you to still feel a connection to the outdoors, while still deflecting a significant amount of solar energy in the process.

Eco-friendly window coverings have the primary goal of preventing heat loss in the winter, or preventing it from entering from outside in the summer. This means your heater and air conditioner don't have to work as hard, resulting in less energy being used and a lower bill for you at the end of the month. Although blackout curtains are quite effective at this task, there's also a middle ground to shoot for. Solar shades excel at blocking UV rays while still allowing natural light into your home, and are a less extreme option compared to completely opaque materials. Letting some light through allows you to still feel a connection to the outdoors, while still deflecting a significant amount of solar energy in the process.

Trendiest window coverings

You also have nearly unlimited options for dressing your home up in style if you wish. For a simpler design aesthetic, then classic Roman or woven shades might fit the bill. If you desire something more outspoken, then you can consult with the experts and have custom drapery designed and installed . You can add pleats, custom hardware, or intricate designs to your curtains or drapes so that your home gives off the exact vibe that you desire.

You also have nearly unlimited options for dressing your home up in style if you wish. For a simpler design aesthetic, then classic Roman or woven shades might fit the bill. If you desire something more outspoken, then you can consult with the experts and have custom drapery designed and installed . You can add pleats, custom hardware, or intricate designs to your curtains or drapes so that your home gives off the exact vibe that you desire.

Conclusion

The task of choosing the right window coverings for your home might seem intimidating, as there are a wide array of aspects to consider such as budget, style, and desired function, as well as potential tradeoffs to make with each. Just Blinds is here to guide you through every step of the process and help you fulfill the vision you have for your residence. If you have any questions about the latest and greatest solutions for your home windows in the River Region and Birmingham area, reach out to us and we would be glad to assist.

The task of choosing the right window coverings for your home might seem intimidating, as there are a wide array of aspects to consider such as budget, style, and desired function, as well as potential tradeoffs to make with each. Just Blinds is here to guide you through every step of the process and help you fulfill the vision you have for your residence. If you have any questions about the latest and greatest solutions for your home windows in the River Region and Birmingham area, reach out to us and we would be glad to assist.

Beat the Heat: Best Choices to Keep The Interior of Your Home Cool

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:00:00 GMT

Is your AC bill keeping you down this summer? Is your home too hot? Window treatments can help cool your home, but you need to choose the right ones and use them correctly.

Not all window coverings are made equal. Here are some of the best options to help keep your home comfortable and reduce costs this summer:

Cellular or honeycomb shades. These are specifically designed to provide a high level of insulation that keeps the heat out of your home. They also don't block the view when completely drawn. As a bonus, you can get them in a wide variety of colors and patterns to match your home and in both top-down and bottom-up configurations.
Drapery. Old-fashioned curtains can be surprisingly effective. Choose a medium color and have us add a white plastic backing to reflect heat out of your home. You can also use drapes to block some of the heat without excluding much light, allowing you to enjoy natural light flowing through your drapes.
Fabric Roman shades. These are a distinctive option that really dresses up a room, and if you choose the kind with several layers they will definitely help keep the heat out. We have light filtering and blackout options and everything in between.

Why Should You Use These Types of Shades or Blinds?

The two reasons are to save money and help protect the environment. Good shades keep your home cooler and this means your air conditioning systems don't have to work as hard and use as much energy.

In the northern hemisphere, it's most important to have heat-reducing treatments on your southern windows and you can allow more light in through windows that face north. Both cellular and Roman shades can also be motorized and even put on timers to close the shades when you are not there and then let light in when you return. The small amount of energy used by motorized shades is much less than that lost through naked windows.

All of these shades can also add to the aesthetics of your room. Cellular shades are great to add a pop of color or a subtle pattern. Both drapery and Roman shades give a soft feel to your windows that then spreads to the rest of your room.

What is the Best Choice?

The best choice of the three depends on your personal aesthetics. Our designers can help you make the right choice. If you want motorized shades, cellular shades are the lightest and thus use the least energy, and can roll all the way up and down, leaving your windows completely unrestricted. Roman shades are more visible, but can be used to add fabric and color to a room.

Many people still love the look of traditional window drapes. Note that you can also combine shades and drapes for the effect you want, both in terms of reducing heat loss and in terms of aesthetics.

How Much Can I Actually Save?

The amount you save depends on the kind of window covering you use and how much thermal gain your house typically experiences. The larger your windows, in general, the larger the benefit, especially south-facing windows.

For example, medium-colored draperies with a white plastic backing can reduce heat gain by as much as 33% for that window. Most window treatments, though, reduce overall heat gain by about 10%. This can significantly reduce your bills, by $100 to $200 a month during the summer.

Using the right window treatment can make your home more comfortable in the summer and save money while preserving the environment. For advise on which window treatments to choose for your home and to see our selection of blinds and shades, contact Just Blinds today.

Top 3 Blinds Options: Southern Charm Meets Smart Shading

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 18:22:00 GMT

The South is known for its distinct charm, warm hospitality, and of course, its unique climate. However, homes in this region face an exclusive set of challenges when it comes to window treatments. Southern summers can be brutal, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits and the sun beating down relentlessly. The solution? Blinds.

They create a shield against the sun's harsh glare and help keep your home comfortably cool. While the South leans more toward classic aesthetics, functionality is just as important. Our top three blind choices that match perfectly with the quaint Southern-style architecture include faux wood blinds, cellular shades, and woven wood blinds. Here's why:

1. Faux Wood Blinds

They are popular window treatment options that mimic the look and feel of real wood blinds but at a lower cost. They are typically constructed from durable PVC materials, which makes them more moisture and warp-resistant than their natural counterparts. This also allows them to be used in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms, where real wood blinds may not be apt.

Faux wood blinds are a perfect choice for the South, as they offer the timeless elegance of real wood with the added benefits of durability and moisture resistance. They come in numerous colors, finishes, and slat sizes to complement your existing decor, plus they easily tilt to adjust light and privacy levels. In addition, they are incredibly easy to maintain, thus making them ideal for a busy Southern household.

2. Cellular Shades

Also called honeycomb shades, cellular shades are window coverings with a distinct pleated cell design that resembles a honeycomb. They are typically made of soft, durable polyester fabric. This honeycomb structure creates air pockets that act as insulation to keep cool air inside during hot weather and prevent warm air from escaping when it's cold.

In a southern home, where air conditioning is heavily used, cellular shades reduce the energy needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature substantially, which leads to lower energy bills all year round. Such innovative shades further come in a variety of fabrics and opacities that offer light filtering options for a gentle glow or blackout capabilities for a restful night's sleep.

3. Woven Wood Blinds

If you want window treatments that add warmth, a touch of natural beauty, and texture to your home, consider woven wood blinds. Made from sustainable materials like bamboo, reed, or grass, these blinds offer a light, airy feel while still providing sun control.

Their open weave design makes them perfect for Southern homes where heat can be a concern because they allow for ample light filtration and air circulation. Additionally, woven wood blinds provide some insulation to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. They also come in multiple natural tones that effortlessly blend with the Southern aesthetic and lend an organic touch to any room.

Embrace the Sunshine, but Control its Power with Just Blinds

At Just Blinds, we know that your blinds are more than just window coverings; they're an extension of your unique style. That's why we offer numerous customization options, including accessories such as valances, decorative tapes, and motorized controls to help personalize your blinds and create a truly distinctive look. Our design team is here to help you with the selection process to ensure you find blinds that fit your needs and budget.

We also provide in-home consultations, where our designers will assess your space, take measurements, discuss your preferences, and guide you toward the perfect window treatments befitting of a Southern haven. Call us at (334) 454-3796 or fill out our Online Contact Form to schedule a free consultation today. Let us help you in your decision-making process.

Personalize Your Home with the Timeless and Rustic Appeal of Woven Shades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:16:00 GMT

The surging popularity of woven shades is a testament to their beauty, practicality, and durability. Homeowners increasingly gravitate towards these natural and organic window coverings because they seamlessly infuse any space with a timeless rustic charm. Dig in as we detail why woven wood shades are popular and how to effortlessly use them to turn your home into a sustainable paradise.

Why are They so Popular?

Woven shades are popular because they're beautiful, practical, durable, and embody sustainability. They boast a distinct earthy look and are made from sustainably harvested natural materials such as bamboo, reeds, grasses, jute, and rattan.

The rich textures and warm and inviting tones create a connection with nature by adding a hint of the outdoors into your living space. By combining a unique natural appeal and textured look, woven shades create a dazzling interplay of shadow and light, adding depth and visual interest to your windows.

Woven wood shades also come in different design options—colors, opacity levels, and weaves—to infuse your home with warmth and character. Unlike traditional blinds, woven shades perfectly balance your lighting and privacy needs.

Thanks to their excellent light filtration, woven shades gently filter sunlight, allowing soft, diffused light into the room without compromising your privacy needs. Some models feature adjustable liners for increased energy efficiency while providing additional UV protection to keep your floors, furniture, and art from fading.

These dynamic window coverings pair effortlessly with other treatments, such as drapes or curtains, to give your home an airy feel or a dark, dramatic look. Woven wood shades also stand a cut above the rest due to their simple maintenance needs .

You only need to dust them with a duster (preferably microfiber) or vacuum them with a brush attachment to keep them spotless. Since they're made from durable natural materials, these shades hold up to daily usage even when you have pets and kids.

Woven shades are popular because they're beautiful, practical, durable, and embody sustainability. They boast a distinct earthy look and are made from sustainably harvested natural materials such as bamboo, reeds, grasses, jute, and rattan.

The rich textures and warm and inviting tones create a connection with nature by adding a hint of the outdoors into your living space. By combining a unique natural appeal and textured look, woven shades create a dazzling interplay of shadow and light, adding depth and visual interest to your windows.

Woven wood shades also come in different design options—colors, opacity levels, and weaves—to infuse your home with warmth and character. Unlike traditional blinds, woven shades perfectly balance your lighting and privacy needs.

Thanks to their excellent light filtration, woven shades gently filter sunlight, allowing soft, diffused light into the room without compromising your privacy needs. Some models feature adjustable liners for increased energy efficiency while providing additional UV protection to keep your floors, furniture, and art from fading.

These dynamic window coverings pair effortlessly with other treatments, such as drapes or curtains, to give your home an airy feel or a dark, dramatic look. Woven wood shades also stand a cut above the rest due to their simple maintenance needs .

You only need to dust them with a duster (preferably microfiber) or vacuum them with a brush attachment to keep them spotless. Since they're made from durable natural materials, these shades hold up to daily usage even when you have pets and kids.

Where do They Look Best? What Style of Home?

Woven shades are versatile window coverings that bring out the best in every room. You may use them to add a natural elegance to your traditional or contemporary living room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The exceptional privacy and light control make woven shades an ideal choice for the bedroom. They'll gently filter the sunlight to create a soothing ambiance that turns your bedroom into a cozy environment to let you enjoy quality sleep.

You may use the natural hues and organic textures of woven shades to create a calming and inspiring environment in your home office. Since they're naturally moisture resistant, will not harbor mold and mildew, and are easy to clean and disinfect, woven shades made from reeds, bamboo, or jute are ideal for the bathroom.

While you may use woven wood shades to complement a diverse range of home styles, their effect truly shines with some themes. The earthy tones, and organic textures lend a natural, beachy vibe to homes with a coastal theme, creating a serene, relaxed atmosphere.

Woven shades align perfectly with the free-spirited and eclectic nature of a bohemian-inspired home . The artistic patterns and the earthy-colored materials will add depth and visual interest to your boho spaces. Additionally, woven shades effortlessly blend with the organic elements of a nature-inspired home or one designed around sustainability.

Just Blinds Offers an Endless Array of Woven Shades Made in the Highest Quality

At Just Blinds , we carry a diverse collection of high-quality woven shades to suit your needs. Our options comprise sustainability harvested bamboo, jute, reeds, and rattan shades in different design styles, colors, and weaves to elevate your living space.

We offer diverse materials, colors, and patterns to let you customize the shades to complement your personal style and preferences. We offer different lift options, including cordless, traditional cord lock, motorized, and cord loop for matchless light control convenience.

At Just Blinds, we're committed to your success, and our skilled team is on hand to help you through the entire process. We offer FREE on-site consultation to help you make informed choices and transform your home into a beautiful paradise. Ready to upgrade your home? Contact us today !

At Just Blinds , we carry a diverse collection of high-quality woven shades to suit your needs. Our options comprise sustainability harvested bamboo, jute, reeds, and rattan shades in different design styles, colors, and weaves to elevate your living space.

We offer diverse materials, colors, and patterns to let you customize the shades to complement your personal style and preferences. We offer different lift options, including cordless, traditional cord lock, motorized, and cord loop for matchless light control convenience.

At Just Blinds, we're committed to your success, and our skilled team is on hand to help you through the entire process. We offer FREE on-site consultation to help you make informed choices and transform your home into a beautiful paradise. Ready to upgrade your home? Contact us today !

Window Coverings: Trends by Category and Functionality for 2023

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:50:00 GMT

What's Trending in 2023?

Versatile window treatments are in demand as people want ways to save energy, reduce noise, increase privacy, and be environmentally conscious. For example, energy-efficient cellular shades, blackout curtains, and automated motorized shades are the top window coverings for 2023. Motorized shades are ideal because they can be programmed and operated with a remote. Here are the top window coverings by category in 2023 for your consideration.

On Trend Window Coverings

White shades dominated the window covering market last season. This year, the favorite window-covering trends are textured, woven, wood, and roman blinds and plantation shutters, including roller window shades made of linen or organic cotton. Motorized window coverings have become a staple in most households because of their ability to be controlled remotely via smart home devices. Using layered window coverings with subtle combinations of neutral sheer curtains, blinds, and shades to maintain a minimalistic approach is also among the 2023 interior trends.

The Most Advanced and Innovative Window Coverings

Technology has played a pivotal role in the window treatment market. 2023 interior trends driving the latest window-covering innovations are motorization, ease of use, and modern minimalistic designs. As motorization and textile technologies advance, greater demand is for quieter, faster motors and low-cost motorized shades with long-lasting batteries. The latest motorized curtains feature a contoured headrail design with durable curtain hardware and motorization that effortlessly glides draperies across the LED track. You can control them via smart home technology, remote, wall switches, or voice activation. The lack of cords makes the track mechanism on motorized drapery child- and pet-friendly while eliminating unsightly power lines. The battery is easily concealed behind the draperies and can be temporarily plugged in for charging when needed. That said, the remote control design has been fine-tuned with a motion sensor to assist in locating it in the dark. Moving close to the remote makes it emit a soft light that aids in its location.

Best Window Coverings for Privacy

As previously mentioned, layering sheer curtains, blinds, and shades is a great way to add depth and create a cohesive look to a room. It's also one way to add privacy without compromising a curtain's aesthetic appeal. If you want to style up your window treatments , consider honeycomb blinds—their innovative cellular design aids in blocking out noise and outside temperatures. Cellular shades offer a much-needed boost to your window insulation, whereas blackout curtains block light while providing privacy and noise reduction, particularly for inner-city dwellers. The flexibility found in top-down-bottom-up shades and dual roller window coverings means you can let light in and give privacy coverage on the rest of the window.

Eco-Friendly Window Coverings

As the emphasis on energy efficiency increases, more homeowners are looking for sustainable ways to let sunlight into their houses. Sheer window treatments serve this purpose well because they allow plenty of light to filter through while still offering some privacy and enabling you to be creative with color and design. Smart shades and blinds that automatically tilt, shut, or draw open are popular among energy-conscious homeowners. You can program your automated shades to open and shut at the most energy-efficient times of the day. This enables you to take advantage of natural lighting at the same time maintaining privacy. Motorized window coverings are also the fastest yet quietest shades available, plus they're compatible with various smart-home device platforms. They can also help save energy and enhance home security.

Key Takeaways

Window treatments are essential for controlling light and privacy in a stylish and functional manner. With so many choices available, it can be challenging to select the best option. Fortunately, understanding your design needs , colors, fabric choice , and installation requirements can enable you to decide on a window treatment that fits your home. Are you looking for a timeless classic, something minimalist, or more contemporary and exclusive? Contact us today for help choosing window coverings based on what makes the most sense for your budget, style, and function.

Why Motorized Blinds Are The Perfect Upgrade to Any Home

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:10:00 GMT

What are Motorized Blinds?

When shopping for window coverings, blinds are always a fantastic choice. They add style and curb appeal to your home while protecting your privacy and controlling how much light you let in and out. They come in various colors and materials to match every home's aesthetics. If you love traditional blinds' clean charm, you will love motorized blinds.

Motorized blinds encompass everything you love about traditional blinds while adding innovative automation. With just a click of a button, motorized blinds can be opened or closed from anywhere in your home, and for even more convenience, motorized blinds can be set on a timer to open and close when needed.

When shopping for window coverings, blinds are always a fantastic choice. They add style and curb appeal to your home while protecting your privacy and controlling how much light you let in and out. They come in various colors and materials to match every home's aesthetics. If you love traditional blinds' clean charm, you will love motorized blinds.

Motorized blinds encompass everything you love about traditional blinds while adding innovative automation. With just a click of a button, motorized blinds can be opened or closed from anywhere in your home, and for even more convenience, motorized blinds can be set on a timer to open and close when needed.

Why You Should Choose Motorized Blinds

You might wonder what benefits motorized blinds add and why you should invest in them. Motorized blinds are more than a cool party trick. Here are just a few of the benefits of motorized blinds :

Improved Sleep: Setting a timer that will open blinds thirty minutes before you wake up is a fantastic way to improve your health and sleep quality. Waking up gradually from sunlight is easier on your heart , and morning sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycle, ensuring you get the quality rest your body needs.

Save on Energy Costs: Motorized blinds can be opened and closed manually or on a timer to help you insulate your home or let in natural light when desired, saving you energy costs.

Safety: Using a timer to open and close blinds when you are out of town makes your home appear occupied. Also, motorized blinds are cordless, leaving no loose cords for children and pets to get entangled in.

Save Time: Motorized shades can be opened and closed with a simple click of a button. Better yet, you can close all your shades simultaneously, adding convenience and saving you time.

Increase Home Value: Buyers want more technology, and appraisers adjust your home's worth accordingly. Smart home features increase a home's value by as much as 5% and this number will only increase.

You might wonder what benefits motorized blinds add and why you should invest in them. Motorized blinds are more than a cool party trick. Here are just a few of the benefits of motorized blinds :

Improved Sleep: Setting a timer that will open blinds thirty minutes before you wake up is a fantastic way to improve your health and sleep quality. Waking up gradually from sunlight is easier on your heart , and morning sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycle, ensuring you get the quality rest your body needs.
Save on Energy Costs: Motorized blinds can be opened and closed manually or on a timer to help you insulate your home or let in natural light when desired, saving you energy costs.
Safety: Using a timer to open and close blinds when you are out of town makes your home appear occupied. Also, motorized blinds are cordless, leaving no loose cords for children and pets to get entangled in.
Save Time: Motorized shades can be opened and closed with a simple click of a button. Better yet, you can close all your shades simultaneously, adding convenience and saving you time.
Increase Home Value: Buyers want more technology, and appraisers adjust your home's worth accordingly. Smart home features increase a home's value by as much as 5% and this number will only increase.

Questions to ask When Choosing Motorized Blinds

Once you have decided to install motorized blinds in your home, there are some questions you should ask when shopping for them.

What Smart Home Systems are the motorized blinds compatible with? If your home already has a Google or Apple smart home system, you will want to make sure the blinds are compatible.

How are the blinds powered? Some motorized blinds are battery-operated, while others are hardwired. If they are battery-operated, ask what the average battery length is, as this will influence the cost of use.

What are the overall fees? Often, there are other expenses besides purchasing motorized blinds. You may have to pay to have them installed and maintained, and some have an ongoing subscription fee.

How are they Controlled? You will want to know if your blinds have a remote or smartphone app or are voice-activated.

What warranties and ongoing support do you offer? Updating your home is an investment, and you must ensure your investment is protected.

Once you have decided to install motorized blinds in your home, there are some questions you should ask when shopping for them.

What Smart Home Systems are the motorized blinds compatible with? If your home already has a Google or Apple smart home system, you will want to make sure the blinds are compatible.
How are the blinds powered? Some motorized blinds are battery-operated, while others are hardwired. If they are battery-operated, ask what the average battery length is, as this will influence the cost of use.
What are the overall fees? Often, there are other expenses besides purchasing motorized blinds. You may have to pay to have them installed and maintained, and some have an ongoing subscription fee.
How are they Controlled? You will want to know if your blinds have a remote or smartphone app or are voice-activated.
What warranties and ongoing support do you offer? Updating your home is an investment, and you must ensure your investment is protected.

What Else Can Be Motorized?

Blinds are just one of the things in your home that can be motorized. If blinds aren't your window covering of choice, most other window coverings can be motorized as well, including:

motorized shades

motorized shutters

motorized drapes

Blinds are just one of the things in your home that can be motorized. If blinds aren't your window covering of choice, most other window coverings can be motorized as well, including:

motorized shades
motorized shutters
motorized drapes

Who You Choose Matters

Motorization is a great way to save you time and money while simplifying your life. They are an investment you will not regret. Of course, who you choose to install your blinds matters. If you want variety, quality, and expertise, Just Blinds, Inc. is the best option in the Birmingham and River Region. They have over 35 years of experience installing custom window coverings for contractors and homeowners, ensuring your project will be seamless. Best of all, all of Just Blinds, Inc.'s blinds can be motorized, leaving you plenty of options so you can have the style and decor that perfectly matches your unique taste. For more information, stop by our showroom or contact us today !

Infuse Personality Into Your Home With Customizable Roman Shades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Roman shades are more than just window coverings; they are a statement piece for your home decor. These versatile window treatments offer a unique blend of functionality and style, allowing you to showcase your personality while providing privacy and light control for your home. They can be customized to fit your specific needs and design preferences. You can transform your windows into stunning focal points that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space.

Types of Roman Shades to Choose from

Roman shades come in varied styles, each with distinct features and advantages, from traditional flat-fold designs to modern teardrop configurations that add elegance and sophistication to any room. They offer endless customization possibilities, whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist look or a bold, vibrant pattern.

You'll be spoiled for choice from a wide range of material options. Fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen allow for a soft and luxurious feel, whereas wood or bamboo can provide a more natural and rustic look. Consider the level of light control you want and the room(s) where you plan to install the Roman shades when selecting the material, as explained next.

Roman shades come in varied styles, each with distinct features and advantages, from traditional flat-fold designs to modern teardrop configurations that add elegance and sophistication to any room. They offer endless customization possibilities, whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist look or a bold, vibrant pattern.

You'll be spoiled for choice from a wide range of material options. Fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen allow for a soft and luxurious feel, whereas wood or bamboo can provide a more natural and rustic look. Consider the level of light control you want and the room(s) where you plan to install the Roman shades when selecting the material, as explained next.

Material Considerations for Roman Shades

Roman shades are a type of window treatment made of soft, pliable materials. When in the lowered position, they lay flat against the window pane; when rolled upward, the fabric forms either draping folds or defined gathers. They are available in both functional and non-functional styles. Functional shades can be raised, lowered, and positioned anywhere along the window for adjustable light and view control.

The fabric you select can make or break the look of your Roman shades. Therefore, consider how the fabric will suit your home's personality and needs in terms of:

How much light you need to block out: Heavier, thicker, or darker fabrics offer more coverage than sheer options.

Who will use the shades: Durable, easy-to-clean fabrics work well for high-traffic areas, whereas delicate fabrics are better for low-use spaces.

The statement you want the fabric to make: Bold prints or textures can become a focal point, while solids provide a neutral backdrop.

Roman shades are a type of window treatment made of soft, pliable materials. When in the lowered position, they lay flat against the window pane; when rolled upward, the fabric forms either draping folds or defined gathers. They are available in both functional and non-functional styles. Functional shades can be raised, lowered, and positioned anywhere along the window for adjustable light and view control.

The fabric you select can make or break the look of your Roman shades. Therefore, consider how the fabric will suit your home's personality and needs in terms of:

How much light you need to block out: Heavier, thicker, or darker fabrics offer more coverage than sheer options.
Who will use the shades: Durable, easy-to-clean fabrics work well for high-traffic areas, whereas delicate fabrics are better for low-use spaces.
The statement you want the fabric to make: Bold prints or textures can become a focal point, while solids provide a neutral backdrop.

Where Do Roman Shades Look Best?

If you have sizable windows in your family room, den, kitchen, and dining area, consider Roman shades. Their classic look and customizable nature make them a popular choice for these areas, letting you achieve both style and functionality.

However, high humidity levels in bathrooms can cause the fabric to lose its crispness, potentially leading to mildew problems. Although adding a blackout liner and extending the overhang to your shades is an option, Roman shades may not fit a bedroom window snugly , thus allowing light to filter in.

If you have sizable windows in your family room, den, kitchen, and dining area, consider Roman shades. Their classic look and customizable nature make them a popular choice for these areas, letting you achieve both style and functionality.

However, high humidity levels in bathrooms can cause the fabric to lose its crispness, potentially leading to mildew problems. Although adding a blackout liner and extending the overhang to your shades is an option, Roman shades may not fit a bedroom window snugly , thus allowing light to filter in.

Mounting Option for Roman Shades

There are two ways to mount Roman shades: inside the window frame or outside. Inside mounts preserve the window trim for a sleek, clean look but may leave small gaps. The latter gives better light control and is ideal where space is limited, or when you want to pair Roman shades with other window treatments like roller shades. Think about your specific needs, the amount of light control needed, and the overall design vision when deciding on the best mounting option for your Roman shades.

There are two ways to mount Roman shades: inside the window frame or outside. Inside mounts preserve the window trim for a sleek, clean look but may leave small gaps. The latter gives better light control and is ideal where space is limited, or when you want to pair Roman shades with other window treatments like roller shades. Think about your specific needs, the amount of light control needed, and the overall design vision when deciding on the best mounting option for your Roman shades.

Bring Out Your Inner Designer

The great thing about Roman shades is their endless customization options. Personalize yours with specialty fabrics, unique colors, patterned linings, trim styles, lift systems, and more. You can even add extra features like blackout linings, side channels, or motorization .

Roman shades become a true design statement in your home by simply choosing details that match your style. Ready to transform your windows? Call Just Blinds at (334) 454-3337 or fill out our Online Contact Form to get a free estimate. A professionally trained consultant will help you browse our catalog and choose Roman shades that make a bold style statement.

The great thing about Roman shades is their endless customization options. Personalize yours with specialty fabrics, unique colors, patterned linings, trim styles, lift systems, and more. You can even add extra features like blackout linings, side channels, or motorization .

Roman shades become a true design statement in your home by simply choosing details that match your style. Ready to transform your windows? Call Just Blinds at (334) 454-3337 or fill out our Online Contact Form to get a free estimate. A professionally trained consultant will help you browse our catalog and choose Roman shades that make a bold style statement.

Elevate Your Home With Custom Drapes and Window Treatments

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 14:57:00 GMT

Are you in the mood to refresh your home and infuse it with a renewed sense of style? If the answer is yes, then consider the transformative influence of custom drapes and window treatments. These understated elements hold the key to reshaping your living space. In this article, we'll delve a bit deeper into the impact that these unpretentious additions can have on uplifting the overall look and feel of your home, creating an ambiance that exudes warmth and comfort.

How do you match the drapes and the window treatments?

Understanding the Purpose and Functionality

First things first, let's understand the roles. Drapes are for controlling light, privacy, and adding a touch of beauty. Window treatments, like blinds and shades, offer various options for light control and energy efficiency.

First things first, let's understand the roles. Drapes are for controlling light, privacy, and adding a touch of beauty. Window treatments, like blinds and shades, offer various options for light control and energy efficiency.

Contemplating Decor Styles and Personal Preferences

Consider your style preferences. Do you lean towards modern vibes or classic elegance? Think about your favorite colors and overall decor style – this will guide your choices.

Teaming Up Fabrics and Hues

Now, let's talk about fabrics and colors. Choose fabrics that complement each other and match your room's style. Play with textures and patterns to add character to your space.

Highlighting Key Areas

Think about the best features of your room. Do you have a great view or stunning windows? Use custom drapes and window treatments to highlight these areas and enhance your room's look.

Asking the Pro's Opinion

Feeling a bit lost? It's okay! Consult with an interior designer. They can provide valuable insights on choosing the right window treatments for your space, ensuring a cohesive and beautiful design.

What should you look for in fabrics?

Style and Look

Consider your taste and home decor. Are you into a fresh, simple style, or do you prefer a more ornate look? Make sure your fabric aligns with your decor.

Controlling Light and Ensuring Privacy

Different fabrics offer different levels of light control and privacy. Choose sheer fabrics for a gentle glow or blackout fabrics for a darker room. Consider solar or cellular shades for efficient light management.

Different fabrics offer different levels of light control and privacy. Choose sheer fabrics for a gentle glow or blackout fabrics for a darker room. Consider solar or cellular shades for efficient light management.

Resilience and Upkeep

Think about durability. Fabrics with a high thread count or weaving are usually tougher. Also, check how easy it is to care for the fabric – some may need professional cleaning, while others are easy to handle at home.

Think about durability. Fabrics with a high thread count or weaving are usually tougher. Also, check how easy it is to care for the fabric – some may need professional cleaning, while others are easy to handle at home.

Matching the Climate and Insulating Correctly

Consider the climate of your room. Thicker fabrics like velvet or heavy brocade can add warmth in colder seasons. For changing temperatures, opt for fabrics that provide thermal insulation.

Selections: Should you hire a designer?

Advantages of Hiring a Designer for Special Drapes and Window Fixes

Designers bring expertise and a world of choices. They can guide you in choosing the best fabrics, styles, and patterns that match your taste and fit your room perfectly.

Drawbacks of Getting a Professional for Personalized Drapes and Window Dress-ups

On the downside, hiring a designer comes with a cost. You might have less control over the final look, and the process may take longer due to more discussions.

Custom drapes and window treatments have the remarkable ability to turn your home into a stylish haven without turning it into a construction zone. Achieving a beautiful and cohesive look is as simple as carefully matching drapes with suitable treatments, selecting fabrics that resonate with your taste, and seeking professional advice. If you're ready to upgrade both the style and utility of your home, explore the possibilities offered by custom curtains and window decorations available at Just Blinds. Contact us today to transform your space effortlessly today and witness the impactful difference that personalized window enhancements can make to your home's overall aesthetic.

Different and Unique Types of Curtain Hardware

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 17:51:00 GMT

When it comes to curtains, the hardware you choose is just as important as the fabric itself. You want to find hardware that will enhance your curtains and make them look their best. There are many different types of hardware available, so it can be tough to decide which type is right for your home.

Different Types of Curtain Hardware:

1. Rods

Rods are the most common type of curtain hardware. They come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. You can also find them in different sizes, so you can choose one that is perfect for your window.

2. Rings

Rings are another popular type of curtain hardware. They attach to the rod and allow you to hang your curtains. Rings come in different materials, including metal and plastic.

3. Clips

Clips are a good option if you want to be able to move your curtains easily. They attach to the rod and allow you to clip your curtains in place. Clips are usually made of metal or plastic.

4. Tiebacks

Tiebacks are used to hold your curtains back when you want to let in light. They come in different materials, including fabric and metal.

5. Holdbacks

Holdbacks are similar to tiebacks, but they are mounted on the wall instead of the curtain rod. Holdbacks are a good option if you want to be able to move your curtains easily.

6. Drapery hooks

Drapery hooks are used to hang your curtains from the ceiling. They come in different materials, including metal and plastic.

7. Magnetic rods

Magnetic rods are a good option if you want to be able to move your curtains easily. They attach to the wall and allow you to hang your curtains with magnets.

8. Velcro

Velcro is a good option if you want to be able to move your curtains easily. It attaches to the wall and allows you to hang your curtains with Velcro strips.

9. Command strips

Command strips are a good option if you want to be able to move your curtains easily. They attach to the wall with adhesive and allow you to hang your curtains with Command strips.

10. Hook and loop tape

Hook and loop tape is a good option if you want to be able to move your curtains easily. It attaches to the wall with adhesive and allows you to hang your curtains with hook and loop tape.

Why You Should Consider Curtain Hardware:

1. Adds support

Curtain hardware helps to support your curtains and keep them in place.

2. Enhances the look of your curtains

The right curtain hardware can enhance the look of your curtains and make them look their best.

3. Comes in a variety of materials and styles

There are many different types of curtain hardware available, so you can find the perfect type for your home.

4. Easy to install

Curtain hardware is usually easy to install, so you can do it yourself.

What Type of Curtain Hardware Would Be Best for That Room?

1. Living room

In the living room, you want to choose curtain hardware that is both stylish and functional. Rods are a good option, but you can also consider rings or clips.

2. Bedroom

In the bedroom, you want to choose curtain hardware that is both stylish and functional. Rods are a good option, but you can also consider rings or clips.

3. Bathroom

In the bathroom, you want to choose curtain hardware that is both stylish and functional. Rods are a good option, but you can also consider rings or clips.

4. Kitchen

In the kitchen, you want to choose curtain hardware that is both stylish and functional. Rods are a good option, but you can also consider rings or clips.

What Can You Expect From Curtain Hardware?

1. Quality

When you choose curtain hardware, you can expect it to be made of high-quality materials.

2. Durability

Curtain hardware is usually very durable and will last for many years.

3. Style

Curtain hardware comes in a variety of styles, so you can find the perfect type for your home.

4. Functionality

Curtain hardware is designed to be both stylish and functional. It will help to hold your curtains in place and enhance their appearance.

5. Easy to install

Curtain hardware is usually easy to install, so you can do it yourself.

Just Blinds is a great place to find all types of curtain hardware. We have a wide selection of curtain hardware, including rods, rings, clips, and tiebacks. We also have a variety of styles, so you can find the perfect type for your home. Contact us for window treatment needs.

10 Cleaning Tips for Fabric Shades, Curtains and Drapes

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:16:00 GMT

Cleaning your fabric shades, curtains and drapes is an important part of maintaining your home. If not done regularly, dirt and dust can build up on them and make them look dingy. In this article, we'll share ten cleaning tips to help you keep your fabric window treatments looking their best.

1. Vacuum Regularly

When it comes to cleaning your fabric shades, curtains and drapes , vacuuming is your best friend. Vacuuming regularly will help remove dirt and dust before it has a chance to build up. It is also a good idea to vacuum in between washings to help keep them looking fresh.

2. Spot Clean When Necessary

If you notice a spot or stain on your fabric shades, curtains or drapes, don't wait to clean it. The sooner you spot clean, the better chance you have of removing the stain. When spot cleaning, be sure to use a gentle cleaner and spot test on an inconspicuous area first.

3. Wash Gently

When it's time to wash your fabric shades, curtains or drapes, be sure to use a gentle cycle and mild detergent. You may also want to consider using a garment bag to protect them during the washing process.

4. Dry Gently

After washing your fabric shades, curtains or drapes, be sure to dry them on a low heat setting. If possible, hang them outside to air dry. This will help prevent shrinkage and maintain the shape of your window treatments. There are also special drying racks designed specifically for drying delicate fabrics.

5. Iron When Needed

If your fabric shades, curtains, or drapes become wrinkled, you can lightly iron them to smooth out the wrinkles. Be sure to use a low heat setting and protect the fabric with a pressing cloth. Ironing will keep your window treatments looking neat and tidy.

6. Store Properly

When it's time to store your fabric shades, curtains, or drapes, be sure to choose a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or a humid environment. Storing them properly will help prolong their life and keep them looking their best.

7. Clean Your Windows

In addition to cleaning your fabric shades, curtains, and drapes, don't forget to clean your windows. The idea of cleaning the windows will help keep the entire room looking clean and bright. Clean windows helps to:

-Let in more natural light

-Reduce dust and dirt in the room

-Make your fabric shades, curtains, and drapes look their best

8. Hire a Professional

If you don't have the time or inclination to clean your fabric shades, curtains, and drapes yourself, consider hiring a professional. A professional cleaner will have the knowledge and experience to get your window treatments looking their best. Hiring a professional can also save you time and hassle in the long run.

9. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is important for all types of window treatments, but it's especially important for fabric shades, curtains, and drapes. Ensuring proper ventilation will help prevent mildew and mold from developing. It will also help keep your fabric window treatments looking their best by preventing them from becoming faded or discolored.

10. Keep Them Out of Reach

If you have young children or pets, it's important to keep your fabric shades, curtains, and drapes out of their reach. Pets and children can easily damage delicate fabrics. Keeping them out of reach will help prolong the life of your window treatments and keep them looking their best.

By following these ten cleaning tips, you can help keep your fabric shades, curtains and drapes looking their best for years to come. Regular cleaning and proper care will help them last longer and look great. If you have any questions about cleaning your window treatments, be sure to contact us . We're always happy to help!

Making the Right Choice: Which Is the Best Fabric for Curtains?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 20:04:00 GMT

Finding the suitable fabric for your curtains may seem easy at first glance, but there are quite a few factors to consider when making this decision. We'll take you through the steps to finding the best fabric and help you choose which of these fabrics will work best in your home or business based on your needs and preferences.

When finding suitable material, there are three main things to consider: how dark the room is, how much privacy you need, and what aesthetic style you're going for.

The Different Fabrics

Different fabrics may suit different purposes, depending on what kind of treatment you want your curtains to endure. You can choose between natural and synthetic fabrics. Natural fabrics include silk, cotton, linen, wool, jute, and hemp. Synthetic fibres are easier to clean because they are durable and withstand repetitive machine washing. Some popular synthetics include polyester (non-woven), nylon (non-woven) and acrylic or modacrylic (filament). Polyester is resistant to stains and light, as well as being relatively inexpensive.

Acrylic and modacrylic are not quite as resistant as polyester but are very durable and economical in comparison. Nylon is a good option if you need something that resists stains well, but it also tends to wrinkle easily when compared with other synthetics.

Pros and Cons of Each

Blend or Synthetic Silk-Blend and synthetic silk fabrics have an excellent drape and a soft, rich sheen. They're durable and washable, making them great for your decorating needs! They also offer a variety of colors to coordinate with any room. The downside is that they don't always hold up well in direct sunlight.

However, if you are looking for something inexpensive and easy to care for, these are your best choices. Natural Bamboo: Natural bamboo has many benefits that other fabric types don't provide. It's hypoallergenic and resists wrinkles while still having a beautiful texture.

Features You Want in Your New Curtains

It's been a while since you've invested in new curtains, but they're something that needs to be updated regularly. There are so many different styles and types of fabric out there these days that it's hard to know what is best. So what features do you need to have in your new curtains?

Are they lined with white material or another solid color? If not, then what will show through when the sun shines in? Do you want blackout linings, or would you prefer they block most light and heat coming through? You'll also want to consider whether or not you need a liner if your windows are already fitted with them.

Other Factors to Consider

There are many factors to consider when selecting curtains. First, how will you hang them? Hanging methods can include cords and rods or hanging rods with brackets. What type of window treatments do you have (i.e., blinds)? Where are they located on the window? How expansive are your windows, and how high do you want your curtains to hang off the floor? These considerations may help determine what fabrics should be used. Will they complement the existing decor? Is the room typically used during the day or at night? Are you looking for sheers or panels that provide privacy from outside views? Do you need a lined fabric that provides insulation from cold air? These questions may all come into play when deciding what fabric is best for your home.

Final Thoughts

Determining the best fabric for curtains will depend on your taste, room, and climate. If you're worried about warmth or light, it might be best to consult with a professional before making any decisions. Our experts can help you get started by recommending linen or lace curtains.

4 Best Window Treatments for Minimalist Design

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:40:00 GMT

The minimalist design aesthetic is having its moment. If you have encountered material on interior design, you probably have heard the term a couple of times. It encompasses every home decor element, from basic constructions to impactful additions like window treatments.

In this article, we discuss the top five window treatments ideal for people looking to keep things simple but still want to add style to the home. We cover everything from blinds to shades and how you can find the perfect minimalist window treatment ideas for your home.

What is Minimal Interior Design?

Although minimalism is gaining popularity today, it first came into the limelight in the 1960s . The design focuses on eliminating clutter and focusing on the essential elements only. The muted colors, functional furniture, and a careful selection of accent pieces will combine to form a calming minimalist decor.

Minimalism doesn't mean your home won't have color or decorations. It only aims to remove unnecessary elements. The goal is to make your home serene and modern without sacrificing aesthetics and streamline cleaning.

Top Five Modern Minimalist Window Treatments

Here are the top ideas for minimalist window treatments to suit your space.

1. Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are a common minimalist decor technique with a honeycomb structure that folds easily. Pulling them all the way up will create a compact profile where you can barely see the shades. It is the ideal choice for a basic window minimalist idea.

Cellular shades can suit your south-facing and bedroom windows for room-darkening or blackout. You can also use them in windows that don't get much light to keep the room brighter while maintaining privacy.

Minimalism and sustainability go hand in hand, enabling you to save energy by covering your windows without leaving gaps between the slats.

2. Drapery Panels

Drapes are classic in interior design, making sense that they are a staple for minimalist window coverings. With these, you will have excellent light control for every room with an elegant and traditional design.

The popularity of the functionality of drapes shows they will never go out of style. This makes them a perfect choice for minimalist window treatment if you want to stay in the home for an extended period.

The two most common drapes suitable for uncomplicated homes are:

Wave pleated drapes: The designs are neat and perfect for a well-organized home. It features precise folds where you can push them to the side and leave them open for outside visibility.
Ring clip drapes: These are simple drapes to create a less flashy design. The installation process is simple attaching rings to rods of your choice.

3. Plantation Shutters

The plantation shutters make a gorgeous design when combined with minimalism. You can choose shutters made from painted white or faux wood to fit any window frame perfectly. For effective customizing, adjust any wide louvers to have control of the light streaming giving your privacy or a view of whatever you want.

Equally important, plantation shutters will add value as they are permanently built into the window frames. They are simple in style, boost aesthetics, and present investment in the bottom line.

4. Accent Curtains

As aforementioned, minimalists' designs are not dull, they just remove clutter. It will draw attention to the few accents and colors you decide to display. Curtains are an excellent option as they are easy to change when looking for a new look.

Accent curtains are the best to use if you feel the window treatments are a bit understated. While you can use window blinds and shade to block light, most people feel windows are never complete without the right set of curtains. Switching this up with roller blades and accessory pieces can make a huge difference.

At Just Blinds, windows are our passion, and we are dedicated to ensuring every drape and shade fits perfectly. For any enquiries about minimalist window treatments, we can help you outfit your home at affordable rates. Contact us today for a free quote with one of our local design specialists. The best minimalist window treatment design is just an installation away.

How to Create Office Privacy with Window Treatments

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:31:00 GMT

Do you work in an office where you feel like you can't get any work done because of all the noise and distractions? If so, you're not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, and it can be tough to get anything done. Luckily, you can do a few things to create some privacy and eliminate distractions.

If you work in an office, chances are you have a window. And if you have a window, chances are you can see out of it. But what if you don't want people to be able to see it? Window treatments are a great way to create privacy and eliminate distractions.

Tips on How to Use Window Treatments to Create Office Privacy

1. Choose the right window treatment

There are many different types of window treatments, so choosing the one that will work best for you is important. If you want complete privacy, blinds or shades are a good option. If you're looking for something that will reduce noise and distractions, curtains or drapes are a good choice.

2. Think about the direction of the sun

When choosing window treatments, it's important to consider the sun's direction. If your office gets a lot of sunlight, you'll want to choose a window treatment to block the light. You can choose a lighter-colored window treatment if your office doesn't get much sunlight.

3. Consider the color of your window treatment

The color of your window treatment can also affect privacy. If you want to create a more private space, choose a dark-colored window treatment. Choose a light-colored window treatment if you want to let in more light.

4. Install your window treatment

Once you've chosen the right window treatment, it's time to install it. Plenty of resources are available online if you're unsure how to do this. You can also ask a friend or family member for help. When installing your window treatment, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Ensure that your window treatment is effective

After installing your window treatment, it's important to test it out to ensure it's effective. If you're using blinds or shades, close them and see if people can still see into your office. If you're using curtains or drapes, open them and see if they provide the privacy you need.

Why You Should Use Window Treatments to Create Office Privacy

You should use window treatments to create office privacy for many reasons. These reasons include:

Privacy: Window treatments can give you the privacy you need to get work done. One way to do this is to choose a window treatment that blocks out light. One way to do this is to choose a window treatment that blocks out light.
Noise reduction: Window treatments can also help to reduce noise and distractions. This is especially helpful if you live in a busy area or have noisy neighbors.
Energy efficiency: Window treatments can help to keep your office cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This is because they can help to regulate the temperature in your office.
Aesthetics: Window treatments can also improve the look of your office. They can add color and style to your space.
Cost-effectiveness: Window treatments are a cost-effective way to create office privacy. They are also easy to install and maintain.

Conclusion

Window treatments are a great option if you want to create office privacy. Make sure to choose the right window treatment for you and your space. Be sure to install it correctly and test it out to ensure it's effective. You can also contact us for help with your window treatment needs. We are experts in creating privacy for offices and can help you choose the right window treatment for your space.

How to Cover High Windows Like A Pro

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 17:26:00 GMT

Most people love high windows by providing extra light and adding visual interest to the living space. Others use them as specialty windows like skylights or vaulted ceilings in the bedroom. Most people forget these windows and skip covering them as it seems complicated to mount and operate.

Without proper coverage, you risk overworking your HVAC systems and letting harmful UV rays enter the house, damaging furnishings and flooring over time. You may also lack privacy within the rooms without proper window treatments. The best coverage for your high windows can solve these issues.

When preparing to cover high windows, you must consider various factors, including the window type. High windows can be in multiple forms. Some may have upward extensions for accommodating cathedral cleaning and still reach the floor level, while others can be too high to reach and see directly through.

Curtains and drapes are the most commonly used high window coverings when you need to cover the glass. Another popular option today is the motorized window coverings that you can operate by remote, and you don't have to worry about finding a way to reach the high windows.

Curtain Rod Placement for High Windows

Curtain rods usually sit 2 to 8 inches over the window frame when placed on ordinary windows. Setting the custom rod higher creates a more dramatic look, making the eyes look upward and making the room look larger.

When dressing a large window, you will likely lack the 8 inches of open space over the window. For windows that extend from floor to ceiling, you don't need to create a dramatic look as the windows already offer that with a unique height.

Choosing the proper drapery hardware is also crucial to avoid missing subtle details. The curtain-rod size is more important than placement when it comes to high windows. With a very high curtain rod, you require larger hardware. The windows will dwarf the rod, or it can be so high, making it appear overly small and creating an imbalanced look in the room.

A large curtain rod makes the space elegant by creating an eye-catching finial. Create a modern look by skipping the finials and incorporating a simple metal road over the window.

Curtain Design for High Windows

High ceiling curtains boost your home décor by pulling together the room's overall look. Consider getting fabrics, colors, and patterns matching the pieces available in the living space. Neutrals give you the view from the window and take care of the center stage to keep the room looking clean and uncluttered.

Play around with black-and-white patterns or a solid color of your choice to create a contemporary style. Otherwise, traditional or bohemian aesthetics sits well with rich fabrics such as velvet, while coastal and French Country styles work best with light linens or sheers.

Choosing the Right Curtain Length for High Windows

There are three main choices for curtain length for windows: to the bottom of the window, to the floor, or pooling on the floor.

High windows can be challenging to reach and may need personalized window treatments, curtains, and fixtures. Work with a professional for the exact size of the windows. You'll be happy with the result as it will match your home design.

Curtain Alternatives for High Ceiling Windows

Hanging curtains or drapes on either side of the window adds a decorative touch to the living space. But high windows may not necessarily need swaths of fabric to improve appeal. Other windows will look better by adding an inset window covering that sits within the frame.

Consider covering your high windows with shutters, shade, and blinds. You can make a long skinny seem wider with drapery panels hanging on either side.

At Just Blinds, we can help you select, measure, and design window coverings for high windows. Contact us today to get an expert opinion and receive personalized advice to make the right choice for your window coverings.

10 Cleaning Tips for Window Blinds and Shutters

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Sun, 15 May 2022 17:16:00 GMT

Window blinds and shutters can get dirty over time, leading to several problems. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the slats, making them difficult to open and close. The accumulation of dirt and dust can also cause the slats to warp, leading to an unsightly appearance and decreased functionality. Below are ten tips to help you clean your window blinds and shutters.

1. Use a Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth is a soft, absorbent cloth that can be used to clean various surfaces. Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning window blinds and shutters because they won't scratch the surface and can pick up a lot of dust and dirt. The cloths can be dampened with water or a mild cleaning solution and then used to wipe down the slats.

2. Use a Vacuum

A vacuum can also be used to clean window blinds and shutters. Be sure to use the brush attachment on your vacuum so that you don't scratch the surface of the slats. Start at the top of the blinds and work your way down, vacuuming each slat individually.

3. Use a Feather Duster

A feather duster can be used to dust window blinds and shutters. The feathers on the duster will attract dust and dirt, making it easy to remove from the surface of the slats.

4. Use a Cleaning Solution

If your window blinds and shutters are dirty, you may need to use a cleaning solution. You can make your own cleaning solution or purchase one from a store. Be sure to read the instructions on the bottle before using it on your window blinds and shutters. Some cleaning solutions can damage the surface of the slats, so it's important to be careful.

5. Hang Them Outside

One of the best ways to clean window blinds and shutters is to hang them outside. The fresh air and sunlight will help remove any dirt and dust accumulated on the slats' surface. Most times, you'll need to give them a good shake before hanging them back up.

6. Use a Lint Roller

A lint roller can be used to remove dust and dirt from window blinds and shutters. The roller will pick up any loose particles on the slats' surface. Be sure to roll the lint roller over the entire surface of the blinds or shutters to ensure that all of the dirt and dust are removed.

7. Wash Them in the Washing Machine

If your window blinds and shutters are made of a washable material, you can wash them in your washing machine. Be sure to read the care instructions on the label before washing them. You'll often want to wash them on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.

8. Hose Them Down

If your window blinds and shutters are made of a non-washable material, you can hose them down to clean them. Be sure to use a gentle setting on your hose so that you don't damage the surface of the slats.

9. Use a Dryer Sheet

A dryer sheet can be used to remove static from window blinds and shutters. The dryer sheet will help reduce the amount of dust and dirt attracted to the slats' surface. Simply run the dryer sheet over the surface of the blinds or shutters and then vacuum them off.

10. Use a Hairdryer

A hairdryer can also be used to remove static from window blinds and shutters. Be sure to hold the hairdryer about six inches away from the surface of the slats and use the lowest setting possible.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your window. If you have questions about cleaning your window treatments, contact us today. Our team of experts will be happy to provide you with the information you need to keep your window treatments looking their best.

How to Personalize Your Apartment as a First-Time Renter

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 16:17:00 GMT

Your home deserves to be personalized. The design should reflect your style, your favorite colors, and your personality to help you feel happy and comfortable in your own space. Of course, this is a little more challenging with rental homes. Some homes come with rules about how you can and cannot affect the walls, while some landlords don't care how you decorate, as long as the wall is whole and undamaged when you move out. Some leases include a no-holes decoration clause and many cautious renters avoid punching holes in rental walls for any reason.

So how do you truly make a rental home your own within the no-holes restrictions? We've got a few great strategies for modern renters to personalize, hanging curtains and artwork, within the comfortable bounds of your lease.

Clever Places to Put Decorations When Renting

Windowsills and Half-Walls
Tables and Shelves
Along the Top of Appliances
Free Standing Decor

Before you start worrying about the walls, decorate your surfaces. Find creative and decorative places to put your artwork throughout the house. Windowsills with plants and sculptures brighten your day as much as a framed painting, while free-standing art can be a 3-dimensional display without touching a single wall.

Your rental home might have a hearth and mantelpiece to decorate, or built-in shelves ready to show off your favorite art pieces. There are many ways to decorate a rental home that don't require wall suspension.

No-Damage Decorating Tips for Rental Homes

If you have a no-holes clause in your lease or your landlord specifically mentions not damaging the walls, you can still decorate! Mounting tape distributes the weight of a mounting point to hold heavier loads without punching a single hole. The only question is whether it comes away clean or with a layer of wall paint.

Command Strips & Mounting Tape

Command Strips are the 3M name brand no-damage mounting tape strips. It's basically foam two-sided tape that works on walls. With a pull-tab, they will detach from almost any surface without any damage, even to brittle paint. Command strips can also mount points like hooks and picture frame wire for diverse no-hole decorating options. You can also work with rolls of mounting tape, cutting strips as needed.

Adhesive Hooks and Clamps

If you want to hang things like curtains and window treatments, affix hooks and clamps to build attachments in your rental home. You can hang potted plants, workout equipment, and extra storage throughout the house, provided each hook and clamp connects securely. Don't forget to pad the back of the plastic or metal fixture so it doesn't scratch the paint. This is a great way to add curtain rods and other features to a plain looking house.

Shelves and Backdrop Furniture

You don't have to mount your decor directly to the wall with something between the wall and your decorations. Experiment with shelves and end-tables of various heights. Try displaying your art on shelves, or on the back of a bookshelf with the shelves removed. This way, your art is mounted to an item that belongs to you instead of the rental home wall.

To Drill or Not to Drill: Mounting Art and Tech

If you live in a rental home that allows standard decoration (the occasional nail hole), when and where is appropriate? And how much mounting is reasonable? Many of us take one look at drywall anchors and wonder if that's a good idea in a rental. The answer, first, depends on your lease. Then it depends on the security deposit risk. From there, you can make any plans that can be undone with a new coat of paint.

Ask yourself these questions:

"Does the wall already have holes? Can you re-use them?"
"Is the wall receptive to nails or screws?"
"Will you need drywall anchors, and will they blend?"
"How obvious will the hole left-behind be?"
"How easily can I repair the hole?"

Interestingly, drywall anchors of the right color can be less obtrusive than an unadorned hole in the drywall. Be strategic when and where you choose to add a new hole - and how easily you can repair and touch-up any small changes you have made.

Cleaning Up After Decorating a Long-Term Rental

Longer-term tenants are more likely to hang semi-permanent decorations and install mounting points into the wall. In fact, years of built up wear-and-tear and steady rent provide for this choice. But when it comes time to move out, you want to leave those mounting points as nearly invisible as possible by filling and repainting each spot.

This method can help you repair and cover almost any size of mounting hole damage left in a rental home wall.

Fill Holes & Damage with Drywall Putty

Get a pot of drywall putty and a plastic putty knife, the kind with a flat square end. Apply a small scrape of putty over every nail and screw hole in the wall, whether or not you remember making it. If you repair a few extra spots, it only costs you a few seconds and secures your damage deposit either way. For each spot, use the flat edge of the putty knife to press putty into the hole and scrape it flat and flush against the wall. Remove excess putty as needed. Give the putty a few hours to dry and it'll be ready to repaint.

Repaint with Matching Interior Paint

Get a pot of paint that matches the home interior. This can be a very small supply, as long as the color and finish match. For each putty spot - and for every scuff and stain - add a fresh swipe of paint. Follow the grain of the existing paint to make your touch-ups blend in. Give this paint a protected day or two to fully dry and check your work.

Your rental home can be beautifully and personally decorated while still fully within the terms of your lease. Whether you cleverly use Your attention to detail ensures a return of your security deposit and win the good favor of your property manager - however you choose to decorate. Contact us today to explore more great decoration tips and custom window treatments for personalizing your home interior.

Bringing a Touch of Spring to Your Home Decor

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:08:00 GMT

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to start planning for spring decorating. Even before the spring flowers and green grass start making their appearances, you can bring the feeling of spring and new beginnings into your home with fresh decor. Here are some tips to help you get started!

Flowers are always a winner

Flowers are a spring classic, and for good reason. After a long winter, the bright colors of spring flowers are always a welcome sign. One of the wonderful benefits of decorating with flowers is that they're incredibly versatile--regardless of your personal style, you're sure to find a floral style that fits. Whether you prefer bright, classic blooms such as tulips, daffodils, or hibiscus, or more demure flowers, such as gardenias or peonies, or the slightly eclectic-looking and Dr. Suess-like dahlias, there is sure to be a flower that works for you. Fresh flowers are always nice, but if that's not a possibility, silk or dried flowers are a perfect substitute. Alternatively, look for floral motifs in throw pillows , wall art, curtains, or rugs , all of which are quick, simple, and modern ways to add some zest to your spring decor. If flowers are not totally your thing, botanicals are a wonderful alternative (they also coordinate quite nicely with florals, in case you like both).

Let the sunshine in

Now is the time to throw open the windows and let that bright spring sunshine into the house! This will not only lighten up your living space, but it will also open it up and give a feeling of a larger, airier space. Curtains and blinds can help with this, as you can adjust them to let in as much sunlight as you'd like, while still giving you and your family some privacy. If your curtains are made from a heavy, dark material, try swapping them out for something light and airy (unless they're actively being used as blackout curtains for someone who needs to sleep during the day). This will also help lighten the feel of the room, especially if the windows are smaller.

Throw on a fresh coat of paint (or wallpaper)

Few things say 'spring' better than bright, cheerful colors, and there are few better ways to achieve that than some new paint. Cheery corals, buttery yellows, and spring greens are all wonderful options, as is the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year, Classic Blue . If you're choosing a bolder color, try adding it as an accent color on only one wall, so as not to overpower the rest of the room. This not only brings new life to the decor of the room, it also adds visual interest and appeal. If you're not sure about painting, or if you'd like a pattern, try wallpaper. If you're in an apartment and can't make any permanent changes to your walls, peel-and-stick removable wallpaper will be your friend. It's easy to apply, and, once you're ready to move out (or just change the decor), removing it is a snap.

Regardless of how you choose to decorate for spring this year, new window treatments are always a welcome addition, and Just Blinds is the perfect place to find the perfect set of blinds, drapes, or shutters. We offer a wide variety, from classic valances to wood blinds, as well as motorized blinds to make life just that much easier. We have locations conveniently located to serve you in Montgomery, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Lake Martin, and Auburn. Be sure to stop on by today to see how you can update your spring decor with some new window treatments from Just Blinds!

How to Design the Perfect Living Room for Couch Naps

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 15:31:00 GMT

Is your living room sleepable? Sleep-worthiness is usually a quality we don't consider in living room design - until it's time to host a teenage slumber party or one holiday guest too many. Coming home exhausted and napping on the couch is one of life's great joys, provided your couch is nappable. The coziness of the living room usually focuses on family time and busy activities, but a perfect living room design can also transform into an extra guest bedroom , nap spot, or the perfect place for friends to build a pillow fort for the night.

Believe it or not, it's easy to design your living room to do double-duty as a social space and a spare guest room. Just a few extra sleep-worthy additions cn make your living room design an home theater, a conversation pit, and a dreamy oasis all based on how you draw the curtains.

Blackout Curtains in Your Window Treatments

The first technique is a trick of the light. Mix blackout curtains your layered window treatments. Incorporate blackout shades between your curtains or hang blackout curtains between your filmy and decorative layers of drapes. Being able to draw the shades and block out the sunshine is essential for anyone trying to get a good night's sleep in your living room. As a bonus, blackout curtains also make your living room a better home theater during family entertainment time.

Layered and Dimmer-Switch Lights

Everyone likes their own light level when they sleep. Some people like pitch darkness while some can't drift off without a soft nightlight glow. Design your living room lighting for versatility with layered lights and a handy dimmer switch. Dimming the lights is the perfect setting for both watching movies and winding down for bed. Layered lights also make it possible for someone using you living room as a guest room to set just the right amount of light to relax into sleep.

The Right Couch for a Good Nap

Some couches are good guest beds, some aren't. In our experience, the best couch style for sleeping is a long couch with a deep seat and flat-top cushions instead of the usual convex puff. Flat cushions are the key, as they can make a comfy palette wide enough for an average adult. If you have the room and are so inclined, you can opt for a pull-out couch as an alternative. However, guests are often more comfortable on a good napping couch with no bedtime and morning transition hassle.

Extra Blankets and Throw Pillows

Don't forget the extra blankets! A couch can become instantly more sleep-worthy with just one throw blanket and a squishy throw pillow. Anyone can catch a nap with a few cozy accessories to curl up with, and these items can quickly become bedding if an extra guest finds themselves staying over. Throws are also a great way to decorate during winter months when every seating arrangement should be warm and cozy.

Smart TV with Ambient Settings

The best tech for a sleepable living room is a smart TV with soft ambient settings. Not only can you (or your guest) flip on the TV for music or show streaming at any moment, the ambient features can be essential for good sleep. Ambient TV settings dim the light and play soft sounds, similar to white noise, to help create a relaxing environment. Some smart TVs can even act as alarm clocks in the morning.

Insulated Doors or Doorway Curtains

Give your living room a little privacy, especially from noise. If you have doors to the living room, install thicker insulated doors that block sound. This is great for not disturbing the house when watching loud movies - and not being disturbed when catching a living room nap. If you don't have doors with a more open-plan home, consider hanging soundproofing curtains that can be drawn back when the living room is open for family activity.

A Deep Plush Rug

Last but not least is a decorative, plush rug. A deep rug pile is essential for a sleepable living room because you never know when a sleepover pillow fort will go under construction - especially if there are children and teens in your home. A deep rug makes even the floor more nap-worthy, not to mention a great opportunity to add a splash of color and design to your floor decor.

Is your living room sleepable? With the right mixture of fixtures and an ultimately nap-worthy couch, you can catch a few z's in your living room or use your living room as a spare guest room for friends and family when they come to visit. Contact us today for more great insights on how to make your home a cozy escape.

The Invisible Kitchen Design Trend

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:53:00 GMT

Kitchen remodeling has always followed interesting year-on-year trends. Eco-friendly kitchens are on the rise along with darker paint colors and mixed metals. There are many stylish ways to upgrade your kitchen and improve its functional flow. But our favorite kitchen trend this year is the invisible kitchen. Inspired by hotel rooms, tiny houses, and studio apartments; kitchens are getting smaller – even pocket-sized. Combined with the latest in hidden door and no-seam cabinetry techniques, you can design an entire luxury kitchen – and then hide it in a beautiful open-plan room.

The Invisible Kitchen Trend

Invisible kitchens combine sleek cutting-edge kitchen technology with blending interior design. Kitchens are built into nooks and streamlined to take up minimal space. Surfaces and appliances fold out of hidden-handle cabinetry. One-wall kitchens can even be folded away behind a sliding door, making your kitchen truly invisible. With small appliances and a glass-top stove built into the cabinetry, you can build an entire kitchen into your open-plan home without dominating half the family space. In fact, your kitchen can completely disappear.

This trend embraces open-plan living in a new way that provides luxury cooking but doesn’t center life around the kitchen itself. Invisible kitchens can fold away and their entire floor space can be used for other aspects of life.

Invisible kitchen design is also a hot trend in commercial break room design, providing amenities without cluttering decor with a sprawling kitchen space.

Fold-Away and Camouflaged Kitchens

There are two ways to disappear a kitchen. The first is to camouflage the kitchen-like elements. Make the cabinets look like wood paneling and the stovetop to appear as a simple decorative counter. Conceal the kitchen elements, and the kitchen disappears into a well-decorated nook. The other method is a fold-away kitchen, which can be done when a one-wall kitchen is covered by a long sliding door.

Closing the Kitchen Into Cabinets

One popular option is to close your kitchen into cabinetry, turning the space into a craft or dining room more easily. Kitchens can ‘Disappear” behind tall and slide-away cabinet doors. While your kitchen takes up the same amount of space, it no longer dominates the room. This is a great transition for open-plan homes and studio spaces where the kitchen’s floorspace is valuable for other activities. Dancers might fold away their kitchen to safely clear the floor. A folded kitchen makes a more formal open dining room. A kitchen hidden behind cabinetry also makes a better Zoom backdrop for multi-purpose modern homes.

Drawing a Curtain

Instead of cabinets, you can hang a long custom curtain around the countertop space of your kitchen, or even just along the bottom of the lower cabinets to hide the counters. This is a great way to make your kitchen a multi-purpose space without the extra carpentry. You can measure your kitchen for drapes and have custom curtains made from elegant yet washable material.

Countertop Covers for Sink and Stove top

Disappear your kitchen into an elegant sideboard by covering the sink and stove top with elegant blending tops. You can use countertop remnants to make subtle matching tops or you can use polished butcher block for a lovely natural-looking riser. Both can be effective in disguising your sink and stovetop as a simple sideboard countertop. In an office setting, leave the sink open but cover the stovetop during non-meal hours.

Seamless Kitchen Cabinet Design

Cabinet design can be done in many ways. One of the most popular right now is the seamless cabinets that appear to be wood paneling. The handles are indents hidden along the edge or underside of each cabinet door. This makes it easy to blend your cabinets into the hallway design around or create a smooth facade that barely appears to be cabinetry for a kitchen.

Window Treatments for Multi-Space Design

Kitchen windows and open living spaces often have two different designs for curtains and blinds. But a stylish dual-purpose window treatment can help transform your sunny kitchen into a cool living room or craft area when your invisible kitchen is folded away.

Consider replacing your cottage curtains with sleek rolling blinds that match the overall decor of the room. And don’t forget to color-match your window treatments with the unified color scheme of your beautiful multi-purpose room design.

The Disappearing One-Wall Kitchen Door

One-wall kitchens hold a special place in the invisible kitchen trend. From tiny homes to penthouse hotel suites, one-wall kitchens allow you to easily and beautifully disguise a fully-functional kitchen with a single set of panels or doors. One-wall kitchens are recessed into the wall so that the wall is flush with the front of the counter, stove, fridge, and cabinetry. When closed behind panels, a one-wall kitchen can completely disappear.

Are you looking for an all-new way to create a beautiful personalized space? Contact us today for custom window treatments and design innovations to transform your home style.

8 Delightful Ways to Cozy Up Your Bedroom

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 18:08:00 GMT

Every bedroom should be beautiful, inviting, and – most of all – cozy. A cozy bedroom is one that makes you feel safe and warm when you walk through the door and flop onto your bed. A cozy bedroom is one where you always feel warm under the covers and relaxed enough to fall asleep every night. Of course, your bedroom could always be cozier. Whether your current bedroom lacks charm or comfort, there is one simple solution to an un-cozy room: a little home renovation.

A few artistic and comfortable changes can transform a bland bedroom into a space where you can’t wait to snuggle under the covers or curl up with a good book. Let’s dive into our favorite eight ways to cozy-up your bedroom with expert home renovation insights.

1. Place a Fluffy Bedroom Armchair

Nothing makes an empty bedroom feel more welcoming than a big fluffy armchair. Armchairs are naturally inviting, calling you to currl up in the cushions or escape into a sunny afternoon nap by the window. A bedroom armchair can not only be stylish, it’s also the perfect place to read a favorite book or sit to put on your shoes. Functional, stylish, and comfortable: you can’t beat the bedroom coziness trifecta of the perfect armchair.

2. Try Soft New Sheets

The comfort of your bed is the primary way you experience the coziness of your bedroom. After all, when is it more important to be cozy than when you’re snuggled under the covers and drifting off to sleep? Give yourself the gift of wonderful nights with a new set of sheets. Try cool cotton percale for summer and the softest flannel sheets to stay cozy-warm during those cold winter nights.

3. Hang Cozy New Curtains

The curtains over your window can truly define your space and set the stage for bedroom decorations. Find or even design your own personalized curtains that make your bedroom reflect your personal style from floor to ceiling. Whether that’s a festive pattern or a beautiful stretch of your favorite color, your curtains make the room truly yours.

4. Throw In a Few Comfy Throw Pillows and Bedspreads

If you want to make your bed beautiful and warm – not just more comfortable, don’t forget the “throws”. Throw-pillows at style and personality to any bed, couch, or armchair. They are also perfect for group gatherings and blanket-fort construction. Throw blankets and bedspreads allow you to change the look of your bed while keeping your favorite old blankets underneath.

5. Roll Out a Bedroom Rug

A bedroom rug can be a beautiful addition to any bedroom design. Whether you have hardwood or wall-to-wall carpeting, a patterned rug that perfectly suits your style is a great way to make your bedroom more cozy and more personalized to your tastes. Give your floor a centerpiece with a decorative rug that you just love to lay on with a laptop, novel, or sketchbook.

6. Hang Softly Glowing String Lights

Want your bedroom to truly feel special? Hang soft glowing lights that act as decoration, nightlight, and warm accent to the room all at once. LEDs are very popular today and come on an amazing selection of string light designs. From light ropes and light strips to illuminated shapes and patterns, you can make your bedroom design truly unique with the way you choose to light it. Give yourself layered, gentle light that is perfect for napping and for navigating midnight snacks.

7. Nurture a Blooming Potted Plant

Nurturing green and growing life inspires warm, fuzzy feelings from almost anyone. If your bedroom doesn’t feel lively and warm enough to you, add a potted plant. Get yourself a hanging spider plant or a desk succulent that appreciates your contribution in growing it indoors.

8. Set Yourself a Vanity Table

If you don’t have one yet, give yourself a vanity. A vanity is like a desk, or sometimes a dresser, with a mirror for getting ready in the morning. A barren bedroom sometimes needs a little more furniture and a vanity is often the perfect warm, inviting personal furniture to make the whole room feel cozier.

Designing Your Cozy Bedroom Upgrade

Ready to renovate your bedroom to be more wonderfully cozy, welcoming, and to provide more rest in each night’s sleep than ever before? Contact us today.

6 Tips for Planning Your Winter Window Treatments

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Winter is a wonderful time for window treatments. Whether you want to draw the curtains against the cold or throw open the blinds to welcome the clear winter sun, what you hang on your windows makes a difference during the coldest season of the month. Your window treatments not only help to light up a dreary season with natural sunlight, they also keep out the cold when the sun goes down or the winter wind blows. If the seasons change noticeably in your region, those breeze summer curtains just aren’t going to do the trick when it comes to keeping your home warm and beautiful through the winter.

Let’s explore some of the best ways to plan for your winter window treatment updates.

1. Replace Breezy Curtains with Heavier Drapes

Summer curtains are lightweight and often quite breezy. If you did open a window, a warm draft might flow through and lightly ruffle your curtains. This is great for movies, but bad for your power bill. Not only should you avoid opening your window in the summer (for the AC) but you should also have appropriately heavy or insulated window treatments for winter. Windows are the primary source of cold drafts because cold can transfer through them. Heavy winter drapes can help you prevent heat loss and cold drafts through the house.

2. Combine Layered Window Treatments

Layers are also an extremely useful design for winter curtains. Layered window treatments make it possible to let the light in, keep the cold out, and mix-and-match based on each day of the cold, snowy season. Layers of blinds and drapes also help you cover any gaps left by one set of curtains. Blinds let cold in around the edges? Drapes will overlap those edges and stop the chill. Heavier curtains can layer with your light filmy curtains or even your same summer treatments to create a beautiful multi-layered holiday look as well.

3. Vivid Colors that will Look Elegant or Festive Through the Holidays

Pick colors that make you think of the holidays fondly. For some, that will be curtains of a deep blue that look elegant both standing open and drawn during the winter. For others, this might be a festive floral pattern featureing reds and golds. The right color scheme can look perfect for every holiday this winter season, not just your favorite, with a blend of colors and pattern elements. Alternately, you can collect several holiday-themed draperies and hang them when the time is right for everyone to feel the holiday cheer emanating from your home decor.

4. Add a Thermal Curtain Layer to Hold Back the Chill

If your windows are loose or your drapes just aren’t keeping the chill out, try thermal curtains. Thermal curtains are designed to block moisture and heat from seeping from the cold window into your living room. For homes that are not well insulated or in regions of extreme cold, just adding a thermal blanket or curtain to your other layers of window treatment can drastically increase personal warmth.

5. Cellular Shades Offer Modern-Looking Insulation

Cellular shades are actually made of hexagonal cloth or fiber tubes, shaped like cells. These tubes form the horizontal surface of your blinds and the collapse beautifully into the top of your window. What is unique about cellular shades, however, is that the open hexagonal tube-space is insulating. The air inside the cellular shade design acts as a buffer between your window and the cold, like the air in a fluffy comforter only light and attractive enough to hang on your windows.

6. Semi-Sheer Blinds Welcome the Bright Winter Sun

Lastly, a simple linen or translucent shade is the perfect solution to blinding light angles. The winter tends to have a very clear, bright light when it is not clouded in gray. To welcome that lovely warming sunlight without getting a sunbeam directly in your eyeball, hang elegant shades you can pull down to just the right length.

Does your home need an update in winter window treatments? Contact us today to consult and design your unique winter window treatments.

Four Tips to Create Your Signature Home-Style

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 15:59:00 GMT

Sometimes, you may want to make some changes to your house, so you can create something unique compared to other houses. Making your home unique requires some work, so you may wonder how you can go about it for your home. If you need some advice and want to create a beautiful home through your decorations, you can try out these four points.

Choose the Right Furniture

You can start by figuring out which furniture will fit your style while allowing you to make a beautiful home. You have multiple options to consider for your furniture, so you should review the local ones and identify the right options to match your personality. For example, if you want something eloquent, you can go for leather furniture. However, if you want to focus on comfort, you may want soft couches.

You can even add some recliners to your home if you want to make the room feel safe and comfortable. Feel free to also identify different types of coffee tables, so you have a place to leave different belongings while also adding to the room’s style and feel.

Add Some Color

You should also think about different ways to add color to your home. For example, some people will paint their rooms to match the feel and style they want. You can make a room feel comfortable and inviting by using blue and similar colors, so think about which ones you want. You should also consider color when it comes to the furniture and decorations you plan to add to the house.

Sometimes, people forget to consider color when it comes to decorating their homes, so make sure you keep this point in mind. Doing so will help you avoid clashing colors with your furniture and paint, so you should focus on making everything match and complement each other.

Find Unique Decorations

Some people want to make their homes feel unique while expressing their personalities, so you should find some unique decorations. For example, you could pick out some tablecloths for the dining room along with some hanging pieces in the living room. Some people will put fake plants on their walls as hanging pieces or even pictures of their family members.

You have a great opportunity to think about different decorations for each room in your house. As you go through the choices available, you should determine which ones will match your style while adding to the aesthetics of each room.

Think About Your Windows

You can find different ways to update your windows and make them unique. You can put in some nicer glass, adjust the frame, and even add some blinds to each window. There are many blinds you can find, such as blackout ones to prevent light from getting into a room meant for movies. If you want to know about some blinds for your windows, you can contact us to get more details.

Windows stand out as a great way to make a room more unique without making a flashy change. Since people don’t always pay attention to windows, you can use them to test different styles and ideas without doing something that may draw attention away from the rest of the room.

Conclusion

As you think about your home and make it a unique space, you should use the four tips above to assist you. They will help you identify different ways to create a signature home-style while also ensuring you avoid a tacky design. Feel free to apply each of them, so you can make your home a beautiful one in your neighborhood while making it your own unique style.

When to Hire Pro Vs DIY For Window Treatments

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 16:33:00 GMT

Window treatments provide insulation, increase privacy, control light, and add aesthetic qualities to a home. When doing a window treatment, you can either call a professional or Do it your own. Usually, the DIY activities are affordable and fit well for simple tasks.

A professional comes in handy when you have a big house and need the work done excellently. If you plan to improve your windows, here’s your guide to when you should try DIY or involve a pro.

DIY Window Treatments

DIY is increasingly becoming a popular home improvement concept, as it allows homeowners to learn new skills and save money. The DIY option can be the best in your window treatment plan if:

Professional Window Treatment

A professional can help intake the correct measurements and select the right window coverings . You should consider hiring an expert when:

Hiring Pro Vs. DIY: Which Is Best?

The decision of hiring a pro or do it yourself entirely depends on the situation and preferences. If you believe you can measure your windows well and install the best blinds, then you can go ahead and try DIY. However, you should make sure that you have the needed tools to acquire the best results.

On the other hand, a professional can guide you throughout the process and relieve you as you concentrate on other activities. However, you should be keen on the choosing process to work with the best in the industry.

Choosing the Best Window Contractor for Your Window Treatment

Even the smallest window treatments require an expert for the best results. This way, you can be sure of enjoying superior insulation properties and long-lasting service. Here are top tips on choosing the best professional for the window treatment service:

1. Do Your Research

Simple homework on the available window installers can help you avoid huge costs . Before hiring, you can check the website of the window expert to know what other people think of the third-party services such as Google and Yelp may also provide helpful reviews regarding the service you need.

2. Check the Insurance

Accidents happen at work, and the last thing you would like is to incur accident-related damages and costs. For your peace of mind, you should only engage with an insured professional.

3. Check the Warranty

The warranty guarantees long time support. If you have a high window treatment project, you will want to have a warranty for the services, should anything go wrong. Most window experts offer a warranty to their clients, and working with them can be a great advantage to protect your investment.

4. Consider the Experience

An experienced contractor delivers excellent service within the shortest time. Be sure to check out the number of years the contractor has been in the industry for the best results.

Plan Well For Your Window Treatment

Whether you choose an expert or try DIY, you must plan well for the project. Window treatment requires a well-thought plan on the design and the quality of materials you use. With proper planning, your window can offer both functional and aesthetic properties and increase your house value.

Just Blinds is ready to help you make the best decisions regarding windows improvement projects. Contact us for more information about us and our services.

5 Clever Tips for Decorating Your Home in the Fall

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 22:03:00 GMT

Autumn is coming fast around the corner and we’re ready for that first refreshingly cool breeze. There’s something magical about the fall, when leaves start to turn colors and the air gains that unique crisp quality that makes you want to take in a big fragrant lungful each time you step outside. Fall is also a time for decoration, when everyone gets into the decorating mood before the first big date of the holiday season really gets us started.

Naturally, you want the inside of your home to be as welcoming and refreshing as the sun-dappled autumn outdoors. The best way to do this is to give your home a refresh by decorating for fall. Don’t worry, this project is easier than it sounds. With a few hints of gold and fire-orange throughout, your home could be glowing with that unique autumn beauty in just a few design updates.

Bring In the Warm Fall Colors

First and most importantly, take a look at your color palette. Fall is all about color. Gold, red, orange, and yellow are your primary palette with a beautiful array of colors in-between that make for breathtaking autumn design. Bring these warm colors into your home interior design. Add throw pillows, table cloths, window treatments, and centerpieces that really make your fall color themes pop as you enjoy moving from one beautiful room to the next.

Break Out the Blanket Throws

Throw blankets are one of the best parts of autumn and winter beyond. Decorative and cozy all at once, a throw blanket makes the perfect addition to your autumn decor – without re-upholstering the furniture. If you have some perfect fall-colored afghans and soft throws to drape over couches and chairs, break them out of storage. If not, find a few new favorites and make your living room really pop with blankets your family can curl up in.

Hang Your Cold-Weather Curtains

Window treatments for summer and winter often differ due to how they handle heat and light. Autumn is not only the perfect time to put up your cold-weather curtains. It is also the perfect inspiration for those new window treatments. Look for vibrant colors like a mix of burgundy, sable, and rich brown for an earth-toned winter curtain design that will look perfect with both your Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations. Don’t forget the extra curtain layers to ensure that warm air stays indoors and cold air stays out.

Decorate with Autumn Leaves and Gourds

Smaller tabletop and hanging decorations should feature those themes most prominent in autumn decorating: leaves and gourds. Many people favor metallic autumn leaves as centerpiece decorations and my even twine a fake oak-garland around their stairway rail. If you’re a fan of gourds, create beautiful displays of dried gourds in little bowls or use carved gourds to hold tea-light candles throughout the house for that special autumn touch.

Mixed Metals are In this Autumn

Last but not least, let’s talk metals. Mixed metals used in centerpieces and fixtures are a hot trend right now in home decorating. Your autumn theme is the perfect opportunity to bring warm metal finishes like copper and gold into the mix. Find ways to create beautiful mixed-metal displays that will bring your entire autumn vision together.

Looking for the perfect window treatments for a beautiful fall and a cozy-warm winter? You’ve come to the right place! Our custom window treatment service allows you to pick unique fabrics and designs or choose from the classics to make your home decorating dreams complete. Contact us today to start planning your fall redecoration, our experts look forward to helping you find the perfect drapes, blinds, or shades for your home decor.

How to Block Light from the Sides of Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 13:53:00 GMT

When you pull down the shades, you want to really darken the room. Whether you want darkness for sleeping, watching movies, or telling scary stories before the sun goes down; no-one likes that halo of light around the blinds that shines despite your best shading efforts. Those light edges are not only a little bit blinding, they also disrupt the look of a room with the curtains drawn. It keeps you from fully darkening a space and in the wrong circumstances, that light around the side of your blinds can really wreck the quality of your sleep or your home theater experience.

So how the heck do you block light from the sides of blinds when your blinds are otherwise perfect? Fortunately, there are more than a few clever answers to suit your needs, depending on your style and the way you want to subtly solve this leaking light problem.

Blinds that Fit Perfectly Into the Window Frame

One option is to order custom blinds and a mount that allows your blinds to perfectly fit into the space of your window frame. This means that the edges of your stiff blind fabric or light wood slats perfectly fill the space, the edges of each side lightly brushing the inner edge of your window frame. You may still see a sliver of light, but gone are those big gaps of light singing all the way around your window. Pulled down to the sill, your perfectly fitted custom blinds can block almost all light coming through your window.

Blinds Mounted Over the Window Frame Edge

Another option is to buy blinds that are an inch or three wider than your window frame and mount them ‘flush’ on the outside of the window frame instead. For this method, Mount your blinds roller just above the top beam of your window frame. Pull down your blinds so that they layer over the left and right vertical beams of the window frame. With a flush frame, the lower end should lapse just below the lower frame beam. With an extended window sill, bring your shade down to rest on the sill itself.

This overlap method will allow your blinds to sit against the window frame, blocking most of the light that might seep through. Again, you may find a minuscule sliver of light around the sides, but far less than the traditional glowing gap around the blinds.

Side Channels and Light Blockers

The most effective approach involves a very small additional installation in your window: Side channels and light-blocker strips. A light-blocker is an l-shaped piece of plastic (or metal, or wood) that mounts just inside your window frame. It can then sit just behind or just in front of the edge of your blinds, providing a small panel that blocks only that tiny space between the blinds and the window frame itself.

Side channels are an even more subtle approach. These u-shaped strips also mount inside the window frame, but they are designed to elegantly blend with the frame and ‘capture’ the side edges of the blinds as channels. The blinds will not only block more light due to having the sides blocked, they will also swing less and can look more elegant with the installation of tasteful side channels.

Layered Window Treatments

If you’re looking for a more fabric-focused solution, try layered curtains and window treatments in addition to your blinds. Hanging curtains on either side of the window, for example, are excellent at blocking the light that comes from the sides of each window. This is because the folds of curtain fall against the window frame and nearby wall as they fold back and forth. Combined with blinds, layered curtains are a great window treatment solution for a truly darkened room.

Tired of light seeping in around your blinds? Contact us today for the perfect custom solution to perfectly darken each of your windows when closed while enhancing your interior design vision.

Blinds Vs Shades: Make the Right Choice for Your Home

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 21:34:00 GMT

Blinds are made up of individual slats. They can cover the whole window, can be raised to cover a certain part of your window or fully raised to provide unobstructed views. The slats from the blinds can also be rotated to allow some light to pass through.

Rather than use slats, shades are made from fabric or woven wood. Just like blinds, you can adjust the shades to allow light to pass through, or not.

Since both shades and blinds offer almost similar services, how do you make the right choice for your home? What factors do you consider? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both window treatments? Find out the answers to these questions below.

What are Blinds?

Blinds are very popular. Many people prefer them because they are very easy to clean, are affordable, have better light control, and they can be adjusted easily.

However, blinds have their downsides as well. For instance, not many blinds designs are available. Users always feel like they are compelled to use some specific designs. Blinds are also less energy-efficient, have minimal privacy, and the slats accommodate a lot of dust.

More About Shades

The main benefits of using window shades include plenty of designs to pick from, last longer, easy to use, and some designs (the cellular shades) are energy efficient.

The downsides of having window shades include maintenance difficulty, are not affordable, and some designs are not easy to adjust.

Factors to Consider When Choosing between Blinds and Shades

Just because blinds worked better for your friend or neighbor does not necessarily mean that they will work for you. Consider the following factors when choosing your perfect window styles:

1. Privacy and Light Control

Both blinds and shades have different ways of controlling light and maintaining privacy. Blinds are made of slats that can be tilted to allow some light to pass. Shades, on the other hand, have solid fabric that allows completing opening and closure.

Picking a window shade made from a light filtering fabric will allow you to control your privacy better.

On this front, shades have a slight upper hand over blinds.

2. Design

Given the blinds’ natural design, you can adjust them accordingly. You can choose to partly open your blinds or keep them fully open/closed. On the other hand, shades are either open or closed, they do not have an in between.

However, blinds are limited in designs, styles and colors. Shades on the other hand are more flexible. In fact, you can customize your shades to match the other parts of your home.

3. Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning blinds is easier because you only have to wipe them with furniture polish or wipe them with a clean cloth. Shades, on the other hand, require washing with warm water or vacuum cleaning.

If you stay in regions with high traffic or you own pets, opting for blinds would be a nice idea.

4. Durability

The materials that make up blinds (wood and aluminum) are very hard and durable. This makes blinds more durable as compared to shades (made of woven fabrics).

Again, if you stay in a place with heavy traffic or own pets, blinds are the perfect choice for you.

5. Safety

Safety in any house is mandatory. Always choose blinds or shades with shorter cords. They should be well insulated and should not hang loosely (keep them out of children’s reach).

Final Verdict

The comparison between blinds and shades is very tight. Both serve their purposes very well. However, after closely considering factors such as the designs, ease of use, privacy enhancement, and durability, blinds are the better choice.

Blinds are durable, easy to clean, and enhance privacy. However, you will have to consider the other factors discussed here before coming up with your perfect choice.

You can contact us or read our blog for more information.

6 Ways to Create the Perfect Sleep Sanctuary

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 10 May 2021 20:12:00 GMT

According to the American Sleep Association (ASA) , there are 50 to 70 million U.S adults who have a sleep disorder, 25 million have sleep apnea and one-third have insomnia. From that statistics alone, there are many Americans who don’t get enough sleep.

Having eight hours of sleep is crucial for improved quality of life. When you get enough sleep, you wake up with more energy, less irritable, learn better, improved moods, and improved physical health. Luckily, there is something you can do to get better sleep. You can create a sleep sanctuary to make your bedroom a place to relax after a long day. Here’s how to go about it.

1. Get rid of the screens

Do you have wireless charging built into your bedside table? It’s excellent for decor but when you want to sleep, make sure your phone is not in your hand. The same goes for your laptop and tablet. The screens will only result in bad sleeping patterns. It may feel relaxing to scroll through your favorite social media platform before going to bed, but the blue light can make it hard to fall asleep. It’s also not a good idea to have a TV in your bedroom. Make your bedroom a screen-free zone. If you want something to do before going to bed, you can read a book.

2. Get the right mattress

Choosing a mattress is vital for having a good night’s sleep and achieving good health. If you buy a mattress that does not support your body, it may not be the right one. Look for a quality mattress that will give you value for money. You can even buy one online if you are on a tight budget.

3. Use a soothing paint color

The paint you use in your bedroom plays a vital role in your sleeping patterns. When choosing a paint, go for one that is soothing. Try to avoid red as it has been known to raise the heart and purple because it can cause vivid nightmares. Go for blue to keep your mind relaxed and earthy shades of grey. Green will also make you relaxed and calm.

4. Reduce the temperature

When you are about to go to bed, your room should be cool. When your bedroom’s temperature is cool, you’ll have an easier time falling asleep. Program your thermostat to drop the temperatures when it’s approaching bedtime. The ideal temperature for your bedroom is 16-18 degrees Celsius. However, it’s a matter of personal preference. Your body needs to lose heat at night and that will be hard when your room is too hot.

5. Add Pillows

Your bedroom is not complete without the pillows. Having a pillow will make a lot of difference. If you sleep on your side, you should buy a body pillow. If you have a neck problem, go for a memory foam pillow to keep your spine aligned.

6. Keep your bedroom clean

It’s not easy to get some sleep when your bedroom is messy. Have a storage space for everything to keep your bedroom clean. You can place a bench at the foot of your bed where you put your sheets and duvets.

Have a habit of keeping your bedroom clean. Sleeping in a clean room result in a good night’s sleep. Here are some things you should keep clean in your bedroom:

When making decor decision, your comfort should be at the forefront. You will have a bedroom that you’ll love on every level. Never design your bedroom with other people in mind, make it a sanctuary, and you’ll love every moment you spend in it. contact us to see how we can help transform your room.

Style Up Your Windows By Layering Window Treatments – Here’s How

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 15:10:00 GMT

Few things in a room offer as much potential for creativity and expression as window treatments. Thanks to all the various options available, you can have fun playing around with both soft and hard treatments to achieve various looks.

However, the sheer number of options available also means that it can be hard to come up with a look that works for you. Here are a few basic techniques on how to layer window treatments and achieve a classy, timeless look.

1. Define Your Goals: What Do You Need Your Treatments to Do?

There are many reasons to layer window treatments. Maybe you want better light control, privacy, or you just want to add character and life to your decor. Whatever your reasons, you will need to define them before you start.

Hard treatments such as shutters can also add more outside isolation for security and insulation purposes. Others, like fabric drapes and valances, help to soften up and add liven up an otherwise plain window.

At this point, you also need to define how much you are willing to spend. Layering treatments, especially for fabrics like silk and rattan can be very expensive.

2. Plan the Layering

You can have as many as three layers of treatments on each window consisting of a base layer, a second layer, and a third outer layer. Each serves a purpose depending on how you arrange them.

3. Window Treatment Pairing Tips

The various types of window treatments aren’t always complementary. Here are a few rules to remember.

4. Match Colors, Tones, and Textures

To obtain a perfect look, you will want to match the layers for color and texture. Solid curtains and printed or textured blinds or shades are a perfect match. Alternatively, you can have both printed but have the interior layers feature a much more delicate pattern for contrast. Even then, stick to one accent.

Consider mixing up window treatment layers for different rooms or even different windows in the same room. This adds a versatile touch and allows you to experiment more.

Bottom Line

With many options available, you are only limited by your own creative genius when it comes to layering window treatments. However, there is one thing you need to remember — always stick to high-quality window treatments. Anything less will just look off. Also, it is best to work with experts when it comes to blinds. Feel free to contact us for a consultation.

10 Tips for Spring Cleaning

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 20:09:00 GMT

Springtime is near. Which means its a good time to give your home that much needed refresh. Deep-cleaning is essential to your wellness and health. We have put together a list of ten spring cleaning tips to make your life easier.

1. Use white vinegar to clean shower head buildup.

This will help you have a sparkling clean shower head. It is also completely non-toxic. You will be glad you tried this technique.

2. Remove water stains from your faucet with lemon juice.

Rub a lemon half on the water stains. The citric acid will remove the stains. The faucet will be sparkling when you are finished.

3. Organize your fridge and cabinets with rotating turntables.

Most people only use them to store spices. However, these are quite useful in pantries and refrigerators as well. You might want to consider using them for these purposes if you have emptied one after sorting through your spices. It really is an excellent way to organize your items.

4. Clean your grill with an onion.

Heat up your grill and spray some white vinegar on it. This will loosen up the residue. After you do that, scrub the area with half of an onion. The acid from the onion will do wonders. You can finally grill up some steak for your family.

5. Clean your microwave by heating lemon juice and rinds in water.

Use a lemon half. Squeeze lemon juice into half a cup of water and drop the rinds into it. Set the timer on your microwave for three minutes. After it beeps, leave the door closed for an additional five minutes. When you open it up, a quick clean will do the trick and you will not have to work as hard.

6. Clean stainless steel sinks with baking soda.

Wet your sink and faucet, pour on baking soda, and wipe it with a sponge. This should leave your sink looking like new. If you have major residue and grime, add a pinch of salt to the baking soda. This will help you get rid of more intense griminess. There is nothing like a sink that looks brand new, even after many years of use.

7. Use newspaper to clean dirty windows and mirrors.

Fill a spray bottle with a quarter cup of white vinegar, two cups of water, and two tablespoons of liquid soap. Spray it onto your windows and mirrors and then scrub with a newspaper. The glass will be streak-free. It will be so nice to have completely clean windows and not have to wash them over and over again in an attempt to get rid of the streaks. This tip really is a lifesaver.

8. Use a window squeegee to scrape pet hair from your carpet or rug.

Pets are our best friends, but they can also be extremely messy, especially if they shed. You can use the rubber edge of this tool to remove pet hair from your rugs. You should have a firm grip and vacuum after you finish just to be thorough.

9. Declutter one space at a time.

Start with your closet. Then work on the fridge. Then work on the kitchen. Decluttering one space at a time will help you be more thorough.

10. Organize and Freshen Up

Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, give your home a little pick me up.

Real Wood vs. Faux Wood Blinds — This Is All You Need to Make a Choice

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:20:00 GMT

The battle between real and faux extends even to your window blinds. Luckily, this is not one of those life or death situations, and the superiority of either real or faux wood blinds is left to personal preferences.

That being said, each of these options has unique advantages and disadvantages to which you need to give strong consideration before buying. Here’s the score on both real and synthetic wood blinds to help you choose.

1. Materials

Wood blinds are the real deal. They are made from hardwood timber from trees such as cherry, walnut, oak, and various other hardwoods. Other types are also available, including woven wood blinds and shaped wooden Venetian or vertical blinds.

Regardless of the type, real wood blinds have slats made from natural wood comfortable, warm, earthy tones as found in nature.

On the other end, faux wood blinds are made of composite materials, vinyl, or PVC stained or painted with realistic-looking wood grain and tones. There are also blinds with a wooden core and composite cover, but their basic properties are similar.

2. Aesthetics

Real wooden blinds have a rich, grainy texture and look that simply cannot be replicated even by the most realistic faux wood blinds. They are hand-finished and polished to give off the same high-end look you would expect from an expensive piece of wooden furniture. That is why real wood is so prestigious and desirable.

Faux wood can also be stained to look good, complete with the surface texture finish that makes them resemble real wood. However, they are still dull and artificial. If you want a nice look, you will have to go for premium quality pieces with a high-end finish.

3. Applications

Real wood blinds are best used in living rooms, offices, and other spaces where a warm, deluxe look is desired. They are light and easy to operate, which makes them perfect for large windows.

A more important advantage of real wooden blinds is that they offer better insulating properties. They absorb heat and cold better, and are thus a great help in regulating room temperatures.

Faux wood blinds are best for wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Being waterproof, they resist water and are very durable even with rough usage.

4. Care and Maintenance

Like all wooden items, real wood blinds need a lot more care and attention. In addition to regular dusting with a microfiber cloth, woven blinds can accumulate grime that will need washing off with gentle soap and water.

Wooden blinds also need a “moisturizer” such as olive or lemon oil to prevent warping or cracking. The oil also keeps them supple and lustrous.

Faux wood blinds are generally low maintenance. They need nothing more than regular dusting or the occasional wet wipe to keep them clean.

5. Pricing

Real wood blinds are pricey, and only those with a deep budget can afford them. They are made from expensive hardwoods and consume many hours to shape, treat, and finish.

On their part, faux wood blinds are much more affordable even for those on a shoestring budget. While quality and finish vary between brands, you can always find an option to suit your needs and budget.

Verdict: Which is Better Between Wood Blinds and Faux Blinds?

The jury is still out on which of these popular types of blinds is best for your home. It all comes down to personal preference and the application you need them for. If you want sophisticated blinds to add character to your home or office, authentic wooden blinds are the only way to go.

Otherwise, if you just want a low-budget option that won’t require a lot of maintenance, faux wood blinds are more than suitable. They are very popular nowadays as they can be stained or painted to look very much like the real thing.

Whatever option you choose to go with, make sure that you only get high-quality blinds and match them in tone and texture to your existing decor. The goal is to have an inviting, pleasing room, after all.

If you are still undecided on which blinds to us, then it is best you speak to an expert. Contact us for a consultation .

50 Shades of White: How to Find the Right White for Your Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:46:00 GMT

In an age where everyone is trying to outdo everyone else, it’s surprising that most people end up choosing some shade of white for their window blinds. They aren’t wrong either, because white is timeless and adds a light airy touch to the room. Best of all, it matches your window trims.

However, you are unlikely to find printing-paper white for your shades. Blinds usually come in neutral white or off-white, which consists of all the various shades between pure white and grey. Various other colors such as blue, green, brown, or yellow are also represented.

These shades of white are called undertones and are best seen when contrasted against a sheet of printing paper. If you are looking to outfit your house with new white blinds, these six steps will help you choose the right one and still get your house to stand out.

1. Outline Your Goal

The first rung on the ladder is visualizing the result you want. Will you play safe and go by the rules of white, or are you feeling rebellious and want some contrasts? The various undertones available for white blinds can introduce a lot of playfulness in an otherwise boring color.

Some people want to highlight their windows and make them pop, especially in a smaller room. Others want to add depth and let the windows fade softly while the interior stands out, in which case cooler undertones are perfect.

2. Match Your Walls or Floor

You want the shade you choose to complement your walls. One small mistake and you might end up with a tired-looking yellowed look or an austere clinical one. To avoid both these extremes, compare what colors your walls are then go for blinds with the same undertones.

Walls with cooler colors such as blue, green, or grey need similar cool undertones. Warmer colors such as brown, orange, or red need warmer undertones to maintain the theme. If you have hardwood floors and want to maintain the same earthy look, a shade with a warm earthy undertone is perfect.

3. Match Your Decor

Sometimes you want to highlight something else in the room – like a rug, couch, or even the cushions on your seats. In this case, you will want the blinds and windows to fade into the background so that the object you want to stand out can be highlighted.

This usually works with lighter shades. If it is your walls you want to stand out, make sure to have subtle shades in the same color. Otherwise, opt for a more neutral shade of white so that the windows and blinds get out of the way.

4. Match Your Trim

If you can’t seem to figure out what shade of white will work for your room, go the safe way and match the window trim. These are almost always white or off-white, and you are guaranteed a shade that matches your particular trim perfectly.

5. Order Samples

The most important thing is to order a set of samples so that you can see how the various shades fit in. That way, you can experiment with the various options in real life.

For example, if you want to match your trim, simply place the samples on the window sill and see which one matches. If you want to match the walls, tape them up on the walls, take a step back, and see which one you like best.

Be sure to wait a day or two and observe in the morning, afternoon, and evening to see how the light plays on the different shades.

6. Talk to an Expert

It’s always a good idea to talk to an expert when you can’t figure out what will work for you. Colors and shades are complex, especially for something as ubiquitous as window blinds. Talk to a designer, preferably one working with a company that manufacturers window blinds, and get their advice.

Conclusion

White is not just white when it comes to window blinds. A lot of factors come into play when making your choice. With all said, you remain the boss and get to choose how you want your window blinds you want for the next few years.

Get your set of samples and take your time to review how the blinds will look before making the order. So long as you get the right undertone, white blinds will never disappoint.

The Best Window Treatments for Bay Windows

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 16:56:00 GMT

Sometimes people think it is difficult to find window treatments for bay windows, but that is simply a myth! Bay windows are known for their unique construction and style that may pose a problem for some window treatment selections, but not all. Typically, a bay window will project outward from the home’s main walls. This creates an added space (or bay) within the room that is often used as a window seat area or a space for growing spectacular houseplants.

Actually, the structure of bay windows with their angled, multi-paned glass panels make for an exciting opportunity to increase the home’s exterior visual appeal and inspire distinct interior design ideas. Combine custom blinds and draperies or choose a modern solution such as motorized Roman Shades to transform a bay window area to fit your family’s needs.

4 Bay Window Treatments to Consider

One-of-a-kind layered treatments

Layered window treatments allow you to mix and match a variety of curtain styles to add more depth or texture to the room while also controlling light and improving the window’s insulating properties. There are so many ways to layer window treatments for a bay window, here we will suggest a few to consider:

Layered window treatments are a popular choice for bay windows because you’ve essentially installed 2 or more window treatments that can be used in a combination of open or closed positions. If you’re using layered window treatments at a bay window, keep the patterns muted and the colors nuanced for a touch of elegance and style.

Go sheer and simple

Since many people opt to keep bay windows undressed, the easiest and quickest way to decorate these window sets is to simply hang panels of high-quality, curtain panels. Sheer or opaque curtain panels are perfect for bay windows because they allow filtered sunlight to gently glow within the room, creating a sense of peace and calm.

If you use your bay window area for lounging, reading, or an unobstructed view of your outdoor landscaping, choose sheer curtain panels in a soft and complementary interior color to create a modern and sleek style.

Create drama with draperies

Use your bay windows as a room focal point by installing luxury drapery panels the length of the window to the floor. Here you will have maximum privacy but can quickly have an open view with matching curtain tie-backs to hold drapes in place. Choose between hanging an individual curtain rod and drapes at each of the 3 windows or create a more tailored look with a curved rod made to fit your bay window’s dimensions.

Create the most drama in these areas with your choice of drapery materials from stunning fabrics like silk or metallics. Another option is to choose heavy and ornate draperies with beautiful stitching or classic patterns like Damask.

The clean lines of Roman Shades

Roman shades offer the best of two worlds, drapery-like materials and roller shade convenience. Roman Shades are the perfect window treatment for bay windows that also allow the homeowner to combine a traditional window treatment style with modern features. Today’s Roman Shades are available with insulating qualities, motorized operation, programmable presets , and reliable construction to ensure your investment lasts for many years.

If you have pets, children, or simply desire a streamlined and contemporary look, then Roman Shades are the best choice for bay windows. The beauty of Roman Shades for bay windows is that they fit either a relaxed and cozy decor or a more structured and formal interior.

For a wide selection of window treatments for bay windows, visit Just Blinds online today. Our handcrafted shades, shutters, drapes, and curtains are built to satisfy every style and every window for added beauty and performance.

Key to Choosing the Right Color Palette for Your Home

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:29:00 GMT

Choosing the right kind of window treatments is not just about deciding between blinds or shutters, motorized or corded or curtains, but also about finding the right color to frame each room. Getting a color palette that suits your tastes and preferences is a great and bold step towards gaining a richly textured home interior.

Whether you prefer a tranquil home or the look of trendy and bright colors, it is crucial to consider your home’s style. Here are some tips to help you choose a color palette that best suits your style, lifestyle, and personality.

1. Consider The Existing Elements You Still Want to Keep

When you have existing key features such as a beautiful herringbone hardwood floor or a green marble fireplace, the chances are that you will want to consider them first when choosing your color palette instead of hiding them. If you still want to keep them, they will have a major impact on the color you decide to go with.

2. Test Before Committing

It is always good to collect some sample cards in the color you want to use to select a perfect color. After narrowing down, capitalize on some sample pots of your favorite shades. Rather than painting directly on the wall, painting a card or piece of the board helps you get the exact color that blends with other elements in a room, not to mention how easily you can move them around the room trying the color on diverse light conditions.

3. Consider Your Furniture

When painting your home, it is good to focus on your furniture style and not only the walls. A well-calibrated color palette should incorporate all the other design elements, including the furniture. For instance, if your bedroom possesses a lot of white furniture, creating some contrast gives the room a more appealing look.

4. Think About How You Will Use the Space

Since different rooms call for different atmospheres, it is good to think about how you want to use the space before selecting a color. For instance, you may want to create a completely different atmosphere in your bedroom than in your kitchen. A bedroom ought to feel restful and calm and thus goes well with softer colors that create a tranquil feeling. On the other end, the kitchen should feel inviting, fresh, and vibrant and thus calls for brighter colors.

5. Opt for Three Colors

Going for three colors — one as primary and the other two as complementary colors ensures that your home is not overcrowded with colors, not to mention how it simplifies the design. When planning your window treatments, the material you choose should also fit into this category; a single-window treatment style can go with trivial variations of color to complement your entire house.

6. Carry The Color Palette to Your Home’s Exterior

When choosing a color palette for your home, you do not want to desert your house’s exterior. It is the first thing that your guests behold and also sets the tone for your entire home. The exterior of your home ought to boost your curb appeal , complement the neighborhood, and also appeal to your sense of style.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right color for your window treatment is just like giving your home a facelift. To get the best color palette to your home, you have to make the right decision when choosing your window treatments since they work for you and your home and your design.

Whether pleated, plain, puddled, or piped, window treatments add softness and beauty to a room’s hard edges. To learn more about our window treatment options, get in touch with us today.

5 Tips to Create Spooky Curb Appeal

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:46:00 GMT

Incorporate Pumpkins

Pumpkins are one of the easiest things you can incorporate to create a spooky curb appeal. You can either have some fun and carve pumpkins yourself or you can purchase ready-made carved pumpkins and dive right in.

One of the best things about pumpkins is that you can put them almost anywhere in your yard, which gives you a lot of room for creativity. You can add small pumpkins going up your driveway. Similarly, you can add pumpkins along your walkway leading up to your door.

Ultimately, the size of your pumpkins will determine where the best place to put them is. For instance, small pumpkins are a great idea if you want to put them along a pathway, a medium pumpkin might be best placed by your front door off to the side, while a large pumpkin could be perfect in the yard as a feature object.

Have Fun With Spider Webs

Spider webs are another fun way to get into the Halloween Spirit. Like pumpkins, fake spider webs are versatile in use. You can add spider webs to your front door if you have a wreath.

At the same time, you can try adding fake webs to your front windows to give your home a spooky feel. If your bushes could use some sprucing up as well, you can add some webs along them. The good thing with fake webs is that you can add as little or as much as you would like, and there are plenty of places to put them. With that said, play around with your webs until you reach your desired level of spooky.

Embrace Simple Halloween Objects

It’s Halloween season, which means you should be embracing all the Halloween objects. This means that it’s time to add your favorite objects in your yard to boost your spooky curb appeal.

If you have bushes in the front of your home, use this time to add fun but scary Halloween objects. For instance, you can put skeletons heads inside the bushes so that it appears as if they’re peaking out. At the same time, you can incorporate other things like flying bats, and red lettering on your front door.

Incorporate Colors of Red When Possible

The color red sends a universal signal of stop or that there is danger ahead. If you want a fun way to spook those in your neighborhood, consider adding the color red somewhere on your front lawn. One example is to add drops of fake blood on your front door. If you have a porch, you can add fake blood there as well to create the illusion of a danger zone.

Staging Props

You can never go wrong with staging props to create a spooky curb appeal. The good news is, there are many props available to fit your taste. Do you want to add gravestones in the middle of your yard? Or, do you want a disturbing pumpkin to spook those who pass by? The choice is up to you. But, just incorporating even a few staging props can take your curb appeal from normal to spooky in minutes.

As Halloween approaches, there are plenty of things you can do with your yard this season. Creating a spooky curb appeal is simple, easy, and a perfect way to get into the Halloween Spirit. If you have any questions on how you can create the perfect curb appeal for your home, contact us today to learn more on how we can help.

6 Reasons Why Blinds Are Ideal For Your Business

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 16:29:00 GMT

When people think of custom blinds, home décor is probably the first thing that comes to their minds. However, beautiful window treatments don’t have to be limited to personal use alone; blinds are also very practical for businesses and office spaces as well. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, there are a number of reasons why business owners should consider installing blinds in their places of work. Here are the top 6 reasons why investing in quality blinds is a good idea for your business.

Customizable

If you think you know blinds, think again. Today’s window treatments are certainly not what they used to be. Not only do they come in an array of sizes, materials, and styles, they can also be customized for your window’s particular needs. With a variety of options to choose from, including faux wood and metal slats, vertical and horizontal designs, and manual and motorized maneuvering, there’s no reason to not find the perfect match for your business’ windows.

Energy Efficient

Windows adorned with blinds have the option of letting light in when necessary or being closed to completely block out light and heat. While this is a nice feature for homeowners, it’s especially convenient for businesses trying to cut costs. Blinds are highly effective at lowering energy expenses, especially when placed on the sunniest sides of your building. Your office is sure to stay cooler and your electric bill lower with the right set of blinds.

Easy Maintenance

Window blinds are a long term investment; they aren’t a feature that you will have to replace frequently. Unlike curtains or drapes, blinds don’t need to be taken down to wash and won’t fade over time with sun exposure. Cleaning them is as simple as wiping them down with a damp cloth on a regular basis to remove dust. Best of all, blinds hold their new appearance for years on end, keeping your workplace looking fresh.

Provide Privacy

Sometimes employers need a few moments of privacy. Whether you are conducting business with a client, having a private meeting with an employee, or simply need some alone time in your office, blinds give you the option to control who can see in and out of your windows as needed. They’re also great for keeping peeping eyes out when your office is closed.

Enhance Productivity

Blinds are particularly useful for offices with employees who sit behind a desk all day. While they allow natural sunlight in to brighten their space and improve their moods, they can also be easily closed to cut back on screen glare if the room is too bright. Compared to curtains, which give much less range of light control, blinds can easily meet your workers’ needs on a day-to-day basis.

Attractive

There’s no question that the right set of window treatments can make a positive first impression on any visitor who sets foot in your business. Blinds tailored to your unique windows are sure to appear timeless, clean, and professional compared to dated drapery or, worse still, no blinds at all. Your customers and employees alike are sure to notice your beautiful window treatments.

If you are interested in updating your business with window treatments that are as beautiful as they are functional, Just Blinds is here to help you every step of the way. From plantation shutters and wooden blinds to Roman shades and vertical blinds, we pride ourselves on having the best selection of custom window treatments in the River Region and Birmingham areas. Visit one of our convenient locations or contact us today to see how we can exceed your expectations with our exceptional service and quality products.

Benefits to Motorized Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 16:18:00 GMT

Many homeowners prefer blinds to shades because of their ability to more effectively preserve privacy and block light. They’re also durable, relatively easy to maintain, and, depending on the options, they can add more visual appeal to any space in the home. However, traditional blinds may not be ideal for some homeowners who are looking for a solution with added convenience, safety, and security, in which case motorized blinds might be the perfect solution.

The following are some key benefits to installing motorized blinds in the home.

Increases Energy Efficiency

Motorized window blinds can increase the home’s energy efficiency through both improved light control and insulation.

Using motorized blinds, you’ll be able to block more light just as easily as you can let more light in, as they close tighter and open even wider than traditional blinds in many cases. You can also set a timer to keep blinds open or closed at specific times of the day, which can help manage indoor lighting and cut down on energy costs in the process.

Ultimately, you should see a reduction in your energy costs with the help of motorized blinds.

Keep Children and Pets Safer

You may have seen the safety tags that accompany corded window blinds, which warn of the dangers they pose for both children and pets. Cords can cause harm if your pets or children become entangled in the cord’s loop, making your blinds a safety hazard that you shouldn’t need to worry about.

With the help of motorized window blinds, you can experience more peace of mind in knowing that your pets and children are safer. These blinds use cordless mechanisms to open and close and raise and lower, eliminating any potential hazards that ordinary blinds present.

Keep Your Home’s Interior Safe from Sun Damage

If your furniture or other interior decor is consistently exposed to sunlight throughout the day, this could result in damage such as discoloration and fading, along with other irreversible damage. With the help of motorized blinds, you can more easily control the precise amount of lighting you want to let into any space, which will help protect your belongings and, subsequently, save you even more money.

Oftentimes homeowners want to close the blinds at certain times of the day when the sun is especially bright, but they have a tendency to forget when they’re not currently in the room. Motorized blinds can allow you to set specific times for when the blinds should open and close.

Easy Controls for Convenience

When relaxing with a good book or film, you probably don’t want to get up to adjust the blinds, which makes being able to schedule specific opening and closing times a great convenience if you’d rather not have to mess with them.

You can also benefit from more convenience through the use of push-button controls that allow you to simply press a button to open and close the blinds, saving you the hassle of cord operation, which is often touchy.

Increased Security When Out of the House

If you want to improve your home’s security, blinds can keep people from being able to peer in when closed. However, the added advantage of motorized blinds is that they can open at various times throughout the day to give the illusion of someone being at home. Combined with an automated home lighting system, these blinds should be able to help deter thieves.

To learn more about the benefits of motorized blinds for the home and to get started on installing the perfect solution for your home, speak with the professionals at Just Blinds. Contact us to schedule an in-home consultation and we’ll help make sure you get the ideal installation for any space.

Do Your Windows Need a Cornice?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 21:29:00 GMT

Cornices are only growing in popularity. You may have seen interior designers discuss them on the TV, or seen them featured in other media. Cornices are a great way to turn any bland space into an appealing and welcoming environment. However, you might not even know about cornices or the types of designs you can choose for your home, even though your home might be perfect for them.

What Exactly Is a Cornice?

A cornice is a wooden valance often constructed with plywood, which is wall-mounted just above the window. You can install them using corner brackets and wood screws prior to covering them with just about any design you can imagine. While many cornices might benefit from simply painting them, you can also modify them using fabric or wallpaper coverings to lend additional elegance to any space.

Whether the cornice is sufficient alone or you want to supplement it with a fabric or other treatment, there are many things you can do with a cornice in any space.

When to Consider Cornices for Your Home

There are many reasons to install cornices for your windows. The following are just a few of the ways you can transform any space using these installations.

Making the Space More Interesting

You can easily add appeal to a bland space in the home using cornices, particularly spaces with minimal architectural designs. If the room lacks a bold trim or crown moldings, cornices can help enhance the space, including your windows and walls.

You can also hide unsightly window hardware using a cornice, adding stylishness to an otherwise simple design. Cornices can also be used to help the windows complement your furniture designs using the right color and texture combinations, and they can ultimately help tie the room together.

Cornices can make smaller rooms feel bigger as well, as they attract attention to the spaces above the windows as opposed to everything below.

Adding a Traditional Design to an Open Space

Many people are excited to move into a home with spacious rooms that drew them in, but then they discover the challenge of using their traditional design elements in these spaces, many of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and other elements that typically mesh better with contemporary designs. Thankfully, the use of cornices can help homeowners get the most from a traditional design by using stylish fabrics and wood patterns that are more complementary to the surrounding interior decor.

Regardless of your windows, cornices can give you the look you want in any room.

Create Any Style

Whether you want something more traditional or chic, there’s practically no limit to what you can do using cornices throughout the home. If you want to give the kitchen a unique blend of classical and modern appearances, you can easily do so using a cornice and other architectural designs. Accentuate the cornice with panels and boards along with fabrics, and you can create just about any look you can fathom.

Regardless of your tastes, cornices can effectively transform any space along with other window designs.

Here at Just Blinds, we have plenty of experience installing cornices and many other window treatments for homes of all types. Our customers in the Birmingham and River Region areas have been satisfied with our services for over 3 decades, and we continue to ensure our installations and customer service exceed our customers’ expectations. You’ll be able to choose from many cornice designs, along with blinds and other window treatments that can make your home stand apart, with free in-home consultations that give you the ability to choose precisely what you want.

Cordless Blinds: More Than a Safe Alternative

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 17:34:00 GMT

You’re probably already aware that cordless blinds are a safer alternative to traditional types if you have young children or bored pets. Cordless blinds do still contain internal strings to move the blinds up and down, but there’s no dangling cord. Depending on the style you have installed, instead of pulling a string to raise the blinds, you press a button, lift the bottom rail, or pull down to release the spring tension. You’ll be happy to know that safety is but one reason to choose cordless blinds. This versatile alternative has many benefits.

Easier When You Have Many Windows

If your home has plentiful windows, especially those in various shapes and sizes, cordless blinds are much easier to operate with only a simple push or pull. You can say goodbye to struggling with cords or making one end higher than the other and playing the see-saw game.

Great for Making Windows a Focal Point

When you’re seeking to highlight unconventional window shapes, custom nooks, or designer alcoves, cordless blinds keep the space uncomplicated and uncluttered. They provide a more stylish, uniform look from room to room. Loose cords dangling near frames detract from both the view and the style of the space itself. Cordless blinds keep focal windows aesthetically clean and attractive, so they can do their job of letting in the beauty and sunshine of the outdoors.

Highly Customizable to Design Themes

Cordless blinds are available in many different styles, colors, and textures.

Whether you’re going for modern (unlike its name suggests, “modern” decor reflects a past era, such as the mid-century modern of the 1950s), contemporary (all about the latest looks and future trends), or a traditional decorating theme, cordless blinds work well in each. You can even pair cordless blinds with customized draperies or window treatments to give a room a distinct character.

Comparable in Cost to Traditional Blinds

Just because cordless blinds are sleeker, safer, and more visually pleasing against your windows doesn’t mean they need to cost more! Cordless blinds and shades aren’t more expensive than other types, and they run the whole gamut in budget and style requirements.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Not only are cordless blinds less expensive to install and maintain, but they also last just as long as corded blinds — sometimes longer. If you dust and clean your blinds regularly and have them professionally cleaned when necessary, they can last ten years or longer. Cordless blinds are also easy to repair.

Child and Pet-Proof

Of course, we can’t overlook the benefit of cordless blinds being child and pet-proof. Dangling cords are dangerous for small children by posing a strangling hazard, and dogs and cats (or other critters) can get caught in them during a rambunctious moment. Rather than having to tie loose cords to knobs or hooks (which may not work since animals and kids can still pull them free), cordless blinds remove this hazard entirely.

The Just Blinds Difference

Redecorating helps you get the most out of your space and makes your home seem new again. However, all the choices out there can make it hard to choose a direction. That’s why Just Blinds offers a free, on-site consultation. We’ll help you select from our complete inventory of styles of cordless blinds, and our expert measuring service ensures your final choice is a perfect fit. When you contact us , we’ll show you how easy and affordable it is to fall in love with your home all over again!

Cleaning Tips for Motorized Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 14:40:00 GMT

The following are some helpful tips to ensure you keep your blinds clean and functioning the way they should. While your first instincts might be to use a simple duster, there are more effective solutions that can get the job done.

For additional help or entirely new motorized blinds, consult window treatment professionals who can provide further assistance based on your specific needs.

Avoid Soaking

Similar to other window treatments, you should never spray or soak cleaners into your blinds. If you don’t need to thoroughly clean your blinds and simply want to give them some spot treatment, you can do so using a damp towel, but never place any water or cleaner directly on the blinds, or this could cause some superficial damage to the materials.

Use a Vacuum with a Brush Attachment

If you have a vacuum with a brush attachment, this is ideal for cleaning motorized blinds, specifically if you have fabric blinds or window shades installed. This attachment will allow you to get those areas that are normally hard to reach and keep them clean. You’ll likely find that a brush attachment beats other methods of removing dust and dirt from fabrics.

Clean with a Rubber Sponge

You can keep the blinds clean without using any water by using a rubber sponge, which is also known as a dry sponge. You should be able to find a rubber sponge at your local hardware store. These sponges are especially useful if you want to remove dust and dirt from blinds made of fabric or vinyl, in lieu of a vacuum with a brush attachment.

You never need to clean using soap and water with a rubber sponge. Simply use it to wipe down your blinds and you should be able to effectively remove any buildup.

Dust with a Lamb’s Wool Duster

If you’d prefer to use a duster, try to avoid using a traditional duster on motorized blinds. Dusting can be effective at keeping your blinds free of dust, but the key is to use a lamb’s wool duster. You can use this kind of duster to clean horizontally across the blind’s slats and work down to the bottom, which can help make sure you catch dust as it drops from slat to slat.

When to Consult the Professionals

If your blinds have become too difficult to clean on your own, or you would like to restore your windows with an entirely new window treatment, you should consult with your local window treatment professionals who can help you decide on the right services and installations.

When looking for new installations, it can be a challenge to find the right motorized blinds and other window treatments for your home, but the experts at Just Blinds are here to give you everything you need. Regardless of your preferences and specifications, we can provide you with the perfect window treatment, including motorized blinds and other types of blinds based on your specific needs. With over 3 decades of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to successfully complete any project.

To learn more about how we can help you and to schedule an in-home consultation with our professionals, contact us today and we’ll give you the assistance you need.

5 Reasons to Invest in Custom Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:08:00 GMT

Choosing the right kind of window treatments for your home is important. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living space but also serves certain essential purposes. This includes things like protecting your home and furniture from harsh sunlight, providing much-needed privacy and keeping the dust away. And when it comes to window treatments, nothing is better than opting for custom blinds.

Blinds and shades, especially custom-made ones, have several advantageous features that make them worth the investment. In fact, one study carried out in the UK even found a link between using window treatments and increased productivity. However, if you are still not convinced about why you should invest in custom blinds, then this article is just for you. Read on to learn more about 5 crucial reasons why you should choose custom blinds for your home.

What are Custom Blinds?

As the name suggests, custom blinds are made to order to match the dimensions and requirements of the individual windows of your home. They are different from the cut-down blinds that are usually available in the stores. Cut-down blinds come in specific sizes and are later cut to match the window dimensions of the house.

Why Choose Custom Blinds?

1. The Perfect Fit

Since custom blinds are made after measuring the windows in your home, they always provide an excellent fit. This means no more gaps through which light enters even when the blinds are drawn. This also prevents the blinds from being oversized- a common problem with store-bought cut down blinds.

The end result is perfectly fitting and aesthetically pleasing window treatment.

2. Low on Waste

If you opt for the cut-down blinds from big box stores, chances are high that you will need to remove slats while installation. With custom blinds, this issue rarely occurs. As a result, you end up being eco-friendly by creating less waste of the material

3. Appropriate Hardware

When choosing custom blinds, you can also select the matching hardware like cords. You can also decide other factors like whether you want vertical or horizontal slats. All these things together create a window treatment that is both durable and suitable for your needs. Store-bought blinds fail to provide this kind of flexibility.

4. Customized Treatments

With the plethora of options available in the market, you can customize your window blinds as per your requirements. Choose from a vast array of designs and materials. You can decide to either have manual cords or go for motorized versions- the choice is completely yours.

5. Matches Your Style

Last, but not the least, custom making your blinds allows you to have a final product that matches the style of the rest of your house. Your home is a reflection of who you are and having mismatched window treatments is no trivial matter. Custom blinds tie together the whole look of your home and seamlessly merges with the decor.

Take the Help of Professionals

Choosing the right kind of custom window blinds for your home is important for longevity and effectiveness. At the same time, you should take care to have these window treatments professionally installed. Otherwise, you may run the risk of damaging the blinds even before they can be of any use to you.

At Just Blinds, our professionals have years of working expertise in the installation of custom window treatments. We have been serving the River Region and Birmingham areas for over 3 decades. We understand the requirements of our customers and always strive to provide the best quality service. Our large array of custom blinds along with our design experts and free in-home consultations make it easy for you to choose the right custom blind for your home.

Stylish & Functional: the Best Window Treatment Options for Your Kitchen

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 17:41:00 GMT

For most people, the kitchen is the heart of their home. It’s the place we naturally gravitate toward to hang out, entertain, and unwind, along with cooking and eating, of course. Even with its central role in hosting friends and family bonding, decorating one’s kitchen windows for functionality and beauty is often not at the top of one’s priority list. To get the most out of your favorite spot in the home, here are some tips to properly dress your windows with style and practicality in mind.

Roman Shades

For a classic look that is sure to make your kitchen feel inviting and homey, you can’t go wrong with Roman shades. Incorporating colorful or patterned Roman shades can brighten up neutral kitchens or effortlessly add personality to an otherwise dull space. Their soft fabric design adds a lightness to even the harshest kitchen and dining areas.

Woven Wood Shades

Like Roman shades, Woven Wood shades can instantly bring a plain kitchen to life with charm. Subtle yet sophisticated, the unique texture acquired from their natural materials, such as bamboo, reeds, and grasses, are often the perfect complement to neutral cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Be careful not to hang them too close to the stove, though, as they aren’t as easy to clean as other window treatments.

Solar Shades

For particularly large, bright windows, Solar shades give you the ability to enjoy your outside view while simultaneously controlling any harsh natural light that tries to seep in. Along with their modern design and easy-to-clean functionality, you can also choose how much visibility you would like to have with your Solar shades, typically ranging from 3 to 14 percent .

Faux Wood Shutters & Blinds

Faux wooden shutters and blinds are a kitchen’s best friend. With all the aesthetic appeal and elegance of real wood shutters, these PVC alternatives give kitchens a refined, flawless look but are much-more user-friendly. Their wide slats aren’t only durable enough to endure inevitable kitchen splatters but are a cinch to clean and maintain in messy kitchens. Best of all, their classic design will ensure that your windows are always in style no matter what appliances and décor you pair them with.

Cellular Shades

If you’re looking for an energy-efficient option for a kitchen with many large windows, Cellular shades are a wonderful choice. They are not only highly effective at keeping your room as cool or warm as you desire, but they come in a variety of stylish options and can effortlessly be opened and closed.

Roller Shades

For the modern, minimalist kitchen, roller shades pair nicely. Their clean lines and ability to be easily tucked away out of sight make them particularly ideal for smaller windows. They come in a variety of colors and designs that can effortlessly spice up any space and are surprisingly easy to clean.

Valances

If the feminine touch of traditional curtains is calling to you in regards to dressing your kitchen windows, don’t fret! Choosing blinds or shutters for practicality in your kitchen doesn’t mean that you can’t also have the welcoming quality that curtains bring. Rather than choosing traditional panels or flowing drapes, however, consider complementing the shades of your choice with valances . This is sure fire way to put a personalized finishing touch on your well-dressed window without compromising any form or function.

If your kitchen windows aren’t living up to their full potential with style and functionality, it’s time you showed them some love. With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect window treatments for your space and lifestyle can be overwhelming, but the experienced design team at Just Blinds is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation. We look forward to exceeding your expectations on quality window treatments and exceptional customer service!

8 Creative Ways to Update your Home for the Beginning of the Year

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 14:45:00 GMT

Starting the new year with pleasant changes is an excellent way to set the pace for months to come.

Updating your home won’t just improve its appearance. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring positive emotions into your life.

If you are looking for inspiration, these creative ideas can help get you started.

1. Painting the Wood Trim

If you have interior wood trim in any or all of your rooms, it’s time for some tweaking. Many people tend to forget about the trim and leave it “as is”. However, painting it could transform the way your house looks and feels.

Paint the wood trim white. It can modernize the space substantially. Start with one and see how it goes. While you are at it, consider painting interior doors white as well. The more white you add to your home, the brighter and larger it will appear.

If you have wood-stained cabinets that seem to be showing their age, consider painting them white as well.

2. Major Decluttering

Minimalism has been gaining popularity over the past several years. If you want to follow the trend, it’s time to do some serious decluttering.

Anything that’s collecting dust on tables or shelves has to be removed. Consider sending all the stuff you don’t use every day to the basement. Better yet, arrange a garage sale. Things that you haven’t touched in over a year should go.

3. New Cabinet Handles

One of the cheapest yet highly effective ways to update your home is to replace cabinet handles and knobs. These elements lose their shine with time. By investing in handles with a creative shape, you can transform the way your kitchen and bathrooms look.

If you think that it’s time to replace or repaint the cabinets, start by replacing handles. You may save time and money.

4. Creating Open Space

While open space may not always work for offices anymore, it’s on top of the “must-have” list for homes. Many homeowners choose open floor plans for kitchens and dining rooms. Is it possible to create an open space without major reconstruction?

All you have to do is remove bulky furnishings and add some mirrors . Mirrors do an excellent job creating an illusion of large space. If you aren’t ready to get rid of large cabinets, consider painting them an off-white color. These hues create a light and airy impression.

5. Considering Custom Blinds

Anything custom-made brings an extra zest to your home. When it comes to blinds, they can transform any room with minimal changes.

Custom blinds are decorations with benefits. You can choose colors and patterns to add brightness to the room. Meanwhile, well-fitted blinds can create the illusion of extra space.

6. Replacing Light Switch Cover Plates

Light switches undergo loads of wear and tear. White plates turn gray and unappealing. Silvery faceplates get covered with scratches. Replacing them only takes a few seconds. Meanwhile, the effect you’ll see will be astounding.

7. Hiring a Professional Cleaning Service

No matter how well you clean your home, professionals can do it better. Each house or apartment needs some serious expert scrubbing at least twice a year.

You’ll be amazed at how new, fresh, and updated your home will look after such a cleaning.

8. Adding Printed Photos

As the digital era is changing the way we live, printed photos still have an immense appeal. Take the time to choose the best pictures and print them out. Buy frames and hang these photos on your living room or bedroom walls.

Updating your home doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. A little creativity mixed with the right inspiration can achieve miracles. For more ideas, please contact us today.

5 Benefits of Blinds in the Home

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:37:00 GMT

A lot of people consider blinds and curtains the same thing. They are window coverings for the home. However, this isn’t exactly right. Choosing blinds as window covers is better overall than curtains. There are a number of benefits that most people don’t even consider when trying to choose between blinds and curtains.

1. So Many Styles to Choose

It is true that curtains come in many styles. They have a number of colors and patterns to fit most interior decorating needs. However, blinds provide this as well.

The modern blinds have almost too many styles, colors, and patterns to count. A blind exists to fit almost any style or type of room. These include the traditional blinds most people know. However it also includes types like mini blinds, roman blinds and vertical blinds.

The colors available fit any room from kitchen to bathroom. There are even cordless blinds. These work well with people who are concerned with safety of young children and pets.

2. There Are a Variety of Materials

A lot of popular blinds are made of plastic, bamboo, and aluminum. This provides a chance to decorate the room, while having control over the price. Though plastic blinds are cheaper, they are still a high quality. Many people choose them to control costs while getting the benefit of style.

A popular material is wood. Those that have wood furniture enjoy having wooden blinds to match. It is true they are more expensive than a lot of other materials. If cost is an issue, imitation wood blinds are available for a better price.

3. Easy Maintenance

Anyone who has curtains knows that cleaning is required. Depending on the type of material they require different methods. It is also a hassle to take them down, clean them, then put them back up.

This isn’t an issue with blinds. Taking care of blinds is simple and easy. Many times all it takes is a few minutes and a duster to clean blinds. Dusting blinds is a chore that only takes a little time. Usually it only needs done a couple times of week. Many people just use a dry or damp rag to clean and maintain their blinds.

4. Option for Complete Privacy

Curtains are fine for privacy. Yet, there are some issues. Wind from an open window makes them move and settle differently. Children and pets play around them and open them sometimes. For full privacy, blinds are a better option.

Blinds hang down and return to their natural position when moved. With the cordless type, children and pets can’t move them by accident. If total privacy is wanted, top-down shades are the best buy. These allow control of natural light coming in while providing the best privacy.

5. Control Light

This is the largest benefit of blinds. As mentioned, curtains are often moved and settle differently. This doesn’t happen when using blinds. They cover the entire window according to need. They are made specifically for control. Anyone with blinds knows how easy it is to open or close them depending on how much natural light is required.

There are several types of blinds made for shutting out all natural light. The slats of these blinds close tight enough to provide darkness. Many people enjoy these in bedrooms for better sleep. Another use is for home entertainment rooms. These blinds get rid of glares on screens.

Overall, curtains aren’t the worst thing. However, the benefits of blinds make them superior as window covers. Whether it is style, price, privacy or light control, blinds are a better option. Contact us today to find out the best blinds for your needs.

Vertical Blinds vs. Horizontal Blinds: Choosing What’s Right for Your Space

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:28:00 GMT

When it comes to finding the perfect window treatments to complement your home, there are countless options of blinds available on the market to meet your space’s style and functionality needs. Before you start comparing colors, patterns, and materials, however, it’s important to consider whether the windows you are designing would benefit most from vertical or horizontal blinds. While they share many similarities, becoming familiar with the differences between the two can make all the difference in getting the most out of your window coverings. Here are some critical factors of each style to keep in mind when shopping for blinds.

Vertical Blinds

Horizontal Blinds

Similarities

Now that you are familiar with the strengths and differences of vertical and horizontal blinds, you can focus on how you want your window treatments to look in the room you are designing. The good news is that no matter which style you choose, both options are great at blocking out harmful UV rays from the sun, can help keep your home cooler, and can be made from numerous materials, such as aluminum, wood, vinyl, and more, to meet your unique needs.

While many retail stores offer a decent selection of blinds for doors and windows, not all blinds are made equally. Inexpensive blinds may save you a few bucks upfront, but what they save in cost they will lack in durability and attractiveness. To get the most out of your window treatments, it’s best to invest in blinds that will serve you well for years to come. Just Blinds, Inc. are experts at providing custom window coverings to make even the most challenging of spaces inviting and functional. Serving the River Region and Birmingham areas for over 30 years, Just Blinds, Inc. takes pride in offering homeowners and contractors quality products and superior service. Our large selection of custom blinds, free in-home consultations, and knowledgeable design experts will make the process of selecting the perfect window coverings to complement your space a pleasure.

A New Decade with New Decorating Trends Coming in 2020

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:26:00 GMT

Nostalgia and Environmental Concern

It appears that 2020 is going nostalgic, as described on InteriorZine.com . The “strong impression upon the fashion industry” that is flowing into interior design, as the new decade arrives, it is “the sparkle of the 70’s night disco club in combination with the luxury, velvet softness and oblong volumes from the ’80s.” Along with nostalgia, there is the question, “how will we (and our home environment) change and evolve?

Eco-Friendly Initiatives for Environmental Action

With concerns to create, without harm to our environment, there is innovative excitement stirring the imagination of “designers to create unusual and new materials based on recycling, alternative technologies and a well-balanced approach between nature and technologies.” It’s all about reuse of what is already here, such as “recycling of electronic components and auto-technologies.” A pollution problem that is grabbing the attention of many is the drive “to reduce the usage of plastic and to recycle the existing one.”

Meshing Two Contradicting Themes

It’s quite a contrast to demand both “luxury and the need for sustainability and gentile exploration of natural resources.” Although it’s a serious matter, there seems to be excitement in the challenge to live in luxury and not feel guilty for contributing to environmental destruction.

As suggested, one way to mesh these two trending themes together is to create a more simple and sustainable environment in the living and kitchen areas, and put the luxury in the bedroom(s). It’s a great way to create the right mood for the right room.

The Hybrid Home Blends Home and Work

Another exciting challenge is “the increasing dynamics of city lifestyle.” In today’s age of digital intelligence, it is growing more and more popular to work from home. This growing trend “gives designers the challenge of creating homes with special working areas integrated into the home’s design,” to account for the traditional home infused with creative solutions “for work and creative inspirations.”

Tiny Homes are Increasing in Popularity

It is trending that the tiny home “concept will have its strong presence and creative development in the upcoming season for 2020-2021 as well.” Like the hybrid home, “architects have become more involved in the development of practical and innovative solutions for small spaces.”

Color Portrays the Mood

You will find exciting information on materials and colors on InteriorZine.com , but let’s open another resource and take a peek at MyDomaine . Everyone is familiar with the Sherwin-Williams company and its painting presence. Each year, the company “enlightens us about the hottest paint color of the year.” For 2020, “Naval” is “the world’s most relaxing hue.”

From a survey, inclusive of “250 interior designers,” you find out the dynamic changes in colors for 2020. “It’s not just about how colors look in a space, but how they make you feel.” And neutral colors will no longer be the softer colors, such as “white, gray or beige.” In 2020, you will see colors with more depth, such as “black, sage green, navy blue, and blush pink,” part of the neutral colors.

While there are expected to be generational differences in the selection of colors, “beige will be the comeback queen.” Walls of various shades of gray will no longer be the trend, but brighter colors of yellows and oranges for the younger generation, and more subtle colors of whites and beiges for the older generations.

Window Treatments Add to the Decorating Trends

There is nothing better than the look and feel of freshly painted walls with new décor to update any home. A big part of every room is the windows. With all we have at Just Blinds, you can make simple or dramatic changes to any room with our exceptional product lines. Whether big or small, we’re here to hear all about your home and your decorating plans.

Why Should You Order Samples?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 15:32:00 GMT

The world is moving online at a rapid pace. Virtually anything you can imagine can be done on the computer or a mobile device. But there are still some things that absolutely need to be seen up close and personal. One of them is the selection of blinds, wall treatments, and paint colors. HGTV makes it pretty clear that requesting samples of fabric and blinds are standard practice in the industry. But while samples are available, there are still a lot of people that make the mistake of trying to select materials and colors online. There are a number of reasons why you should always order a sample. The following discusses why you should avoid just clicking and opt to see and touch the product first when making your decision.

It’s All About the Detail

Blinds and other wall treatments are made of a variety of materials. They have different textures and appearances in person that a computer screen just can’t adequately portray. Some materials have specially designed patterns while others have a different feeling, weight, and texture. These small details are important when determining what will look best on your wall. The texture of your wall may not work well with a particular blind or wall treatment. Once you’ve made a major purchase, the worst outcome is deciding that you don’t like the look and then have to start from scratch. Samples are a way to avoid such a mistake. Getting a number of samples so you can see, and touch the actual material first is the best and easiest way to make a lasting decision.

You Can’t Argue With Free

Most vendors will gladly provide samples at no cost. If there is no charge, then there’s no reason not to take advantage of seeing your options firsthand. With samples, you have a small representation of what you’ll get when you order the full product. Free samples come with no obligation and you can take your time to figure out what is going to be the best for your space.

Save Time and Money

Just when you think you know what you want, something just doesn’t quite work correctly. Blinds, paint, and other wall treatments can be a big project with a big price tag. Ordering the product you “think” you want, based upon what you see online may be all wrong when you get it in person. The time it takes to return the purchase, get a refund, or exchange it for another item could be better spent with some pre-planning using samples. Projects go much more smoothly when they are planned out. Asking for samples is standard and any vendor that isn’t willing to provide them is probably not worth your attention.

When You Don’t Know Where to Start

The different varieties of blinds, window and wall treatments can be very overwhelming. When you’re trying to get a project started, with all the different styles, colors, textures, price points, etc. many people don’t know where to begin. Looking at all the options on a screen is just about like trying to read a foreign language. Getting samples of several different options can and should be a way for you to get started and determine what you like and also what you don’t like. Just Blinds is committed to helping our customers get a feel for what will work best in their space. Contact us today to help you get your project off to a great start. We offer free on-site consultation to make sure that every customer gets the help they need and access to the best project planning available.

8 Quick Decor Tips That Will Make Your Home Holiday-Ready

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:17:00 GMT

It’s the holiday season and you’re feeling festive and excited. But is your home holiday-ready? Think big, beautiful and bright! Lush holiday wreaths, beautiful lights, hints of the outdoors with greenery and the ideal display. Need a little inspiration? Well, we’ve got you covered with 8 decor tips that are just perfect and easy for the holidays, which your family will love.

1. Spruce up your home with a DIY wreath

Sure, there are many gorgeous wreaths in stores (and there’s no shame in buying one!) but how about going the DIY route? Make it a family project or do it yourself!

2. Entice your guests with a fruit display

Having a fruit display in your home is a beautiful and edible centerpiece for the home. Think fresh fruits, nuts and dried fruits in a woven basket or big wooden bowl. Think bright, lovely and in-season:

How delicious!

3. Or how about an ornament display?

You can always display ornaments. Dust off the ornaments in your attic or go out and buy a few new pieces for the perfect display.

4. Bring the lushness of the outdoors inside your home

There is so much sheer beauty outdoors, so why not take some of that beauty into your home?

5. Dazzle with an elegant mantel

If you find that your mantel is bare, consider making it showy and decorative.

6. Give the dinner table a festive flair!

You absolutely cannot forget the dinner table and there are so many ways that you can decorate this essential space.

7. Ways to put make your lights dazzling

The lights in your holiday decor are one of the most enchanting elements. Consider some of these lighting ideas that will make your home bright and festive.

8. And you can’t forget the tree!

The Christmas tree is one of the easiest and most showy ways to add flair to your home.

There are so many ways to make your home holiday-ready in a matter of minutes and to dazzle your guests. For more information about the home and getting the perfect blinds for your windows, contact us at Just Blinds .

The Final Key To Curb Appeal: Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 02:42:00 GMT

Whether you’re looking at selling your house, renting it out, or just wanting to spruce up a little, it’s easy to find suggestions on improving your curb appeal. However, most of those ideas are tired and played out. For example, you know you need to mow your lawn! You know that having a pretty mailbox will get attention. Yes, those leaves piling up in the gutters can go. But what about beyond that? When you’ve straightened and mowed and spruced and cleaned the gutters and you still need that one last thing?

If this sounds like your situation, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your blinds!

When you’re thinking about curb appeal, it doesn’t make very much sense to start inside your house. But even a passerby can see your windows, and a set of dirty blinds will certainly be judged. Over the past decade, plenty of advances have been made in window technology, and there’s all sorts of new options both inside and outside. A subtle combination like drapes and bamboo do their job of blocking sun (and prying eyes) when they’re closed. But during the day, the slats can easily be opened and the drapes drawn to let light stream in, impressing anyone that drives by and glances.

If you’re looking to sell or rent out your house, new blinds are a must-have. For a reasonable price, you can guarantee a great first impression for any potential tenants or buyers. A sloppy window setup can doom your chances before they even step inside, but establishing a clean, neat presence will go a long way. Every positive aspect of a home showing builds on the others, but a single misstep can bring the whole experience down. Make sure you avoid the easy mistakes. Updating your blinds looks great and it’ll make sure prying eyes stay out.

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to blinds. Everyone’s windows are different and your needs will vary based on your location and other factors. For example, an early riser might be okay with thinner blinds to the east. The light softly filtering through something like bamboo or 5% solar shades can be a wonderful start to your day–or a nightmare. Light sleepers who don’t want to be awake at the crack of dawn will want to choose much thicker blinds or invest in blackout curtain. Knowing yourself and your situation is the first step to choosing the right blinds.

Regardless of your personal preferences, it’s important to choose a configuration that looks great from the street. If you have any desire to sell or rent out your house then you’ll need to optimize the curb appeal. It’s also important to take into consideration the rest of your decoration. For example, if your house is painted an unusual color then it may be optimal to put up similar blinds. The blinds don’t have to match the color of your paint, however. They can absolutely contrast or compliment it, but the key is that it’s critical to keep the entire look in mind when you’re selecting blinds.

If you’re looking for more convincing that blinds can make or break a showcase, check out some of our Featured Projects . The right selection of blinds and curtains can completely transform a room. From hospitals to private residences to churches, there’s no structure that can’t be improved with the perfect lighting and blinds. If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your curb appeal or just want to check out our options, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Just Blinds has proudly served Alabama for the past three decades, and we don’t have any intention of slowing down.

5 Window Covering Design Elements to Consider Before You Buy

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 15:07:00 GMT

CHILD SAFETY

Corded window coverings pose strangulation hazards for small children, as well as pets. In fact, the Consumer Products Safety Commission calls corded window treatments one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes. Young children can easily become entangled in the cords. If you have children, or host small children in your home, choose cordless treatments, or place the cords out of reach. Cordless blinds are also less likely to malfunction and are visually streamlined and tidy.

COLOR, PATTERN, TEXTURE, & SHAPE

Some people choose their window treatments first and design the room around them, while others choose them after the room is complete. Either way, you’ll want to make sure your window coverings blend seamlessly into your room. If you are choosing one treatment to use throughout the home, you may want a neutral option like wood blinds or pleated shades. Custom draperies and window treatments can add colorful interest to each room and accent a particular style. Elegant fabrics with silky textures for the dining room can pair with rustic woven treatments in the family room, when the patterns and colors are complementary. Know the look you are going for throughout the home, before you commit to a purchase.

ECO FRIENDLINESS & ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The right window coverings can dramatically improve your energy efficiency. Blocking out the hot sun in summer and the cold wind in winter, window treatments can save you a bundle on energy bills. Cellular shades and shutters add insulation to your home, while solar shades block out harmful UV rays and increase energy efficiency year-round. Window treatments also protect your rugs, floors, and furnishings from fading and UV damage. Window coverings can do much more than dress up your windows- they can safeguard your home, your health, and your finances.

LIGHT CONTROL & PRIVACY

Sure, you want to let a little sunlight in, but maybe not all of it, especially on a summer afternoon. And while daylight peeking through your blinds is pleasant, neighbors peeking through is not. Window coverings offer you the ability to control how much sunlight you let in, and how visible you are to the outside. Your bedroom may call for blackout blinds to secure a sound night’s sleep. A rear window facing your private patio is ideal for beautiful curtains that can be pulled fully back. Whereas a front window facing the street might benefit from roller shades, shutters, or blinds. Think about how each room will be used and the privacy needed before you buy window coverings.

MOTORIZATION

Motorization allows you to control your window coverings from across the room, or even remotely from your phone. If you want to close the blinds when no one’s home, or set them to open and wake you with the sunrise, motorization gives you complete control. You can block the sunlight at peak hours to maximize energy efficiency. Or lower the blinds at dusk to set the tone for your evening. Motorization also reduces the wear and tear that comes with yanking on cords or manually pulling back treatments. Most importantly, motorization eliminates the safety hazard of young children with corded blinds.

Window coverings set the tone for the canvas of your home. Elegant, rustic, chic, or classic, they accentuate the space you love. While style and color are important factors, they aren’t enough to base your decision on. When deciding on window coverings, you must take into account these 5 design considerations: child safety, color/pattern/texture/shape, eco friendliness and energy efficiency, light control and privacy, and motorization. The experts at Just Blinds, Inc. are experienced in designing the right window coverings for your specific needs. In order to make the selection that is the most beneficial and beautiful for your home, contact us today!

All the Classic and Unique Options with Plantation Shutters

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 17:15:00 GMT

With the seasons about to change, it’s the perfect time to bring a new look into your home. A simple way of making a bold change is to update your window treatments. Plantation shutters are a classic. With the types and designs offered today, you have a variety of options to create beautiful windows throughout your home.

Plantation Shutter Basics

Many people love the classic look of plantation shutters. The distinguishing characteristic of this type of window treatment is the wide louvers that can come in different widths: 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 to 4 1/12 inches. We’re here to help you decide what size louver is best for the windows in your home.

Homes, across the country, are adorned with plantation shutters, and they are widely used “in the warmer Southern and Western states,” as found on the DIY Network . You have options of different types of materials: “vinyl, composite and wood.” Each with its qualities, and all with a classic look.

Vinyl Plantation Shutters

You also have a variety of options when it comes to plantation shutters made of vinyl, which offers the highest cost savings. Since there is no wood, except for the vinyl-clad wood, this type shutter is “weather resistant and good in high-moisture areas.”

Composite Plantation Shutters

When you want the look of wood, but not the expense, you may want to consider this type of “engineered wood” shutter. “They are very sturdy, while also being weather and humidity resistant.”

Wood Plantation Shutters

Known to be the true plantation shutters, wood shutters, especially made from “basswood,” are known to have “the highest strength-to-weight ration, making it very light and strong.” As reported, the other advantages of selecting wood plantation shutters are the “custom shapes and sizes,” and a wood shutter “can be painted or stained.”

Plantation Shutter Options to Fit Any Window

Not only do you have options for material types, but you also have options for different designs and looks.

Window Size Options

Depending on a window’s size, a single panel or two panels will work. What is nice, your shutters have two sections, top, and bottom. You can open only the top or bottom louvers to control the amount of light and sun to come into a room.

Twin and Triple Window Options

If you have a row of two or three separate windows, you can cover them all with a single frame of multiple shutters. It’s a neat and tidy look that creates a beautiful accent wall.

Cafe Height Shutters

When your windows aren’t facing east or west, you may not want to block out all the light or the beauty of the night sky. Cafe height shutters only cover the lower portion of your windows.

Double Hung Shutters

Another option to opening the top of your window to full light is using double hung shutters. Each shutter offers door-like panels to open against your wall. You can open the top shutter panels, and leave your bottom closed.

Options of Shutter Colors and Hardware

Your plantation shutters can be in any color, especially if you are looking to create an accent wall. Your shutter hinges are also available in a variety of colors that you may want to use on every window, no matter the room or shutter colors.

The Benefits of Plantation Shutters

We believe plantation shutters offer ageless beauty. They are easy to use, and they deliver the privacy you want for your home. They look exceptional in any room, from bathrooms to formal living rooms. One welcoming benefit of plantation shutters is the ease of keeping them clean and attractive .

If you’re ready to create a classic and unique look throughout your home and get ready for the holiday season, it is always our delight to show you all the options available at Just Blinds, Inc. On-site consultations are also our pleasure, and always FREE!.

7 Ways to Spruce Up Porch for Fall

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 16:04:00 GMT

With fall quickly approaching, it’s time to think about how your porch can make an impact on the people who pass by your home. Whether it’s neighbors out for an evening walk or trick-or-treaters on Halloween, your fall porch decor can really spruce up the look of your home and make a welcoming experience for guests who may be visiting. Luckily, there are some easy ways to get your porch fall-ready and create a beautiful look for everyone who passes by!

Find a Fall Wreath

Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, a wreath is a classic staple for any fall-themed porch. A beautiful wreath of fall colors (oranges, yellows, and reds) can add to your front door and help tie in the rest of your porch decor to say that fall has arrived!

Add Throw Pillows

A porch bench creates a space that allows you to kick off your shoes and stay a while. Even the most summery looking bench can take a turn toward fall with a simple throw pillow or two that better communicates the season. A nice earthy pattern is one great way to create a fall look, and helps add to the feeling of comfort.

Create a Foliage Look

Fall is all about a change in weather and the end of summer, and a fall foliage look can help portray that on your porch. Use weather-appropriate plants and mix with hay and long grass to create a look that’s beautiful but also shows a sign of the season. A good mix can help keep things interesting!

Throw in Some Pumpkins

One of the more classic fall looks is the addition of pumpkins to your porch. That doesn’t have to mean regular orange pumpkins, however! While you can create a signature look using naturally colored pumpkins, you can also add creativity and uniqueness to your porch with white pumpkins, or pumpkins that have been spray painted to the fall color you prefer. A variety of orange, white, and brown can create a fun look that your neighbors will be jealous of!

Paint the Front Door

If you’re really looking to make a change that can create a beautiful fall look, painting your front door can make a statement unlike any other. Whether it’s a nice deep red or a muted earth tone, a front door color swap can be a distinct signal of the changing seasons. This also frees you up to change the door to a brand new color when spring arrives!

Add Pops of Color

Though the standard earth tones of fall create a classic look, don’t be afraid to add a pop of color here and there. Similar to trees in the fall, a bright red or green may make it’s way into the foliage of fall, and your porch can sport the same style as nature itself. Bright colors can make a unique space even more different and take your fall decor to a new level.

Make it Personal

Though everyone’s fall porch decor may have similar elements, no one can replicate the special pieces of it that make it uniquely you . Adding your family’s last name to the decorations (perhaps painted on one of the pumpkins) or making a placard of your house number to fit among the pumpkins can help to keep your porch as unique as you and your family are!

With so much attention being drawn to your new fall porch, make sure your blinds are up-to-date and as stylish as your newly decorated porch! If your blinds need an update, contact us today to set up an appointment and find out how we can help make your home beautiful.

Smart Blinds and Shades Make Life Simply Easier

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 15:12:00 GMT

The Smart Home Evolution is Happening

Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly revolutionizing how we live our lives. For the most part, life keeps getting easier with less time out of our day to do simple tasks, such as opening and closing our blinds or shades. If you don’t have automated blinds or shades, you probably will in the not so distant future, because smart home technology is picking up speed.

If you haven’t put much thought into the smart home technology evolution, TIME gives you an idea how close so many of us are to live in a home designed for convenience, comfort, and total relaxation. “Swedish research firm Berg Insight says 63 million American homes will qualify as “smart” by 2022, -”

In approximately ten years, the term smart home will be more than we can imagine. Because of advanced AI, many American homes “will be able to truly learn about their owners or occupants, eventually anticipating their needs.” You may already know about all the sensory technology that is currently being used and continually advancing in intelligence. “New sensors will keep tabs on our well-being.”

It’s quite fun to think about what life will be like in just ten years. Your blinds are set to open up as part of your wake up routine, but one morning you’re feeling just awful. Your smart home, equipped with AI sensory technology knows you need your rest. The alarm doesn’t go off, the blinds stay closed, and your phone sends a message to work that you’re sick with a high fever. And, the doctor is notified. Your medicine soon shows up at your door.

Oh, don’t worry about getting up to cook. “Development in robotics will give us machines that offer a helping hand with cleaning, cooking, and more. Total relaxation when you’re home under the weather. You can stay in your “puffy pants,” and keep the world out with your blinds or shades closed. But, if you want to see what it’s like outside, just give the command, and there will be light!

Enjoy the Benefits of Window Treatment Automation

At Just Blinds, we’re excited to offer smart technology to add another step towards living the easy life. We can automate your blinds or shades by using Siri, Alexa, and all kinds of smart home devices and automation. And it’s not just to make life easier, there are other reasons that automated blinds or shades make your home smarter.

No Cords: Safer with a Better Look

If you have curious and explorative young children, you may have already had to hide the cords. With automated blinds and shades, there are no cords. Our cordless, automated blinds and shades will give you the peace of mind to know your children cannot get in harm’s way playing with window treatment cords. For those of us who have four-legged children, hanging cords can also be a tempting toy for a cat of dog.

It’s time to do away with the dangling cords. Automated blinds and shades just look better. How could they not? They have technology’s intelligence built into them. No pull cords necessary!

Better Privacy and Added Security

At night, it’s easy for neighbors to see into our windows when rooms are lighted. With automated blinds or shades, you can push a button before you even walk into a room. Even better, you can have them on a timer to close as the sun is gone for the evening. You no longer need to think about it.

Automated blinds and shades are great for adding another layer of security throughout your home when you’re away. Many of us use timers to turn on and off lights to make it look like someone is home whenever we’re not. Now your blinds or shades can do the same thing.

Life is Simply Easier with the Convenience of Automation

Why not enjoy the convenience of the future now? Let automation technology let the daylight into your home, and shut out the darkness of night. Not to mention, you have an easy way to keep the summer heat out. You can time your blinds or shades to close on those windows where the sun heats up rooms facing east or west.

Just Blinds Excited to Offer Smart Home Technology

Serving our Alabama neighbors in Montgomery, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Lake Martin, and Auburn for over 30 years, we’re excited to bring our customers the luxury of smart blinds and shades. Call to learn how easy life is with automated window treatments. It’s simply wonderful.

Why Custom Roller Shades Should Top Your List

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 14:31:00 GMT

If you or a loved one are sensitive to sunlight, you’re going to want some high-quality shades or blinds. At Just Blinds, we have a wide variety of window treatments for each room of your home. People who work the night shift or have little ones who sleep in the middle of the day need shades that will effectively block out sunlight. We recommend our roller and solar shades, and here’s why!

Highly Customizable

We offer our roller and solar shades in different colors depending on your preference, made of the highest-quality materials. Our roller shades are made of vinyl and fabric, while our solar shades with fabrics that are normally translucent, but UV blocking. Whether your room has subtle or bold colors, we have shades to match it. They can also be custom-fit to any window, big or small.

Cools You Down

We see a lot more of the sun in the summer since the days are longer, but it also makes the temperature in your rooms rise higher. With solar shades, the sun’s UV rays will be completely blocked out, making the room cool and comfortable. Pairing them with roller shades is the best way to eliminate glares and heat from the sun.

Saves Your Upholstery

The UV rays from the sun can cause the fabric on your furniture to warp or fade. Sometimes the damage is so severe that you may need to replace the piece of furniture entirely. Using solar and roller shades will help preserve your valuable living room couches and dining room tables from intense sunlight.

A Great View of the Outdoors

Without good window treatments, it can be hard to enjoy the view from your home with the sun’s rays glaring back at you. If you have an apartment with a view of the big city or a house over the picturesque mountains, that view shouldn’t go to waste. With solar and roller shades, you can choose how open you want your outlook to be while protecting yourself from UV rays or excessive heat.

Saves You Money

While solar shades may be more expensive than some window treatments, they can be a great long-term investment. Our energy bills are always higher in the summer when we have to run the air conditioning for most of the day to keep our homes cool. Solar and roller shades can help block out much of the heat radiated by the sun, cooling down your room naturally. With these shades, you can use your fans and AC units more sparingly, reducing your energy bills and helping the environment.

Maximum Privacy

In addition to blocking out unwanted sunlight, your privacy is important! Roller shades can be easily raised or lowered so that you never have to worry about unwanted attention from outside viewers. Combined with solar shades, you’ll be able to enjoy your privacy along with the perfect amount of sunlight in your home or office.

Creates the Best Interior Environment

If you’ve ever tried to watch television or cook a meal in the middle of the day, you know what a hassle the sun’s rays can be. The glare from reflective surfaces like TV screens, bathroom mirrors, and kitchen appliances can make daily tasks and activities difficult. With solar and roller shades, you can enjoy your routine comfortably and uninterrupted. Our shades also come with automated controls and can be lowered and raised depending on the time of day.

While both shades work great on their own, we recommend installing them together to get the most protection from UV rays and have a more comfortable space indoors! If you’d like to install solar and roller shades, or one of our other great window treatment solutions, contact us for a completely free consultation!

Now Open: Just Blinds New Showroom

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 16:15:00 GMT

When it comes to designing your home, we know how important it is for you to see – and even feel – your options. Our showroom displays a wide selection of drapes, shutters and shades by Hunter Douglas, Horizon, Graber, and many more. Match your home’s style with ease as you browse our many wood shutter swatches, feel the intricacy of the woven wood shades, and thumb through hundreds of beautiful fabrics.

Best yet, our on-site design expert Ann Fuller is ready to assist you every step of the way. Stop by our showroom to browse or call Ann today to make an appointment.

Visit us today:

1522 S. Memorial Drive
Prattville, Alabama 36067

Call us today:

(334) 361-2994

[supsystic-gallery id=’1′]

Using Live Coral to Brighten Up Your Home

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 11:56:00 GMT

It’s official! Pantone has unveiled their Color of the Year: Living Coral . Pantone is one of the biggest leaders in design and color industries, influencing multiple industries on how to develop the perfect palettes for graphic designs, office furnishings, and product packaging. Each year, Pantone puts careful researching into picking the most popular shade of the year by analyzing current design trends and looking at the latest color influences in all areas of design.

It’s easy to see the appeal of Living Coral. This vibrant blend of orange and pink emulates the mellow shade of the beautiful ocean reefs, while still providing a pop of color that livens up any room. Like the coral reefs that shelter energetic marine life, Living Coral is playful yet comforting.

Here’s a few ways to add an energizing splash of this color to spruce up your living space.

Sweet Dreams

Living Coral is a soft, calming color. A little bit on the walls can making your sleeping space feel like a healing sanctuary away from the stress of everyday life. It can also be an ideal choice for little ones who have trouble sleeping. Is the color too bright for you? A new coral comforter or duvet will still add a subtle illumination to the room.

A Big, Beautiful Bouquet

The warmer months are here, and adding some flowers to your decor can breathe new life into your home. There’s a few house plants that recreate Living Coral’s shade perfectly, and you can also buy artificial plants if you want to keep these additions year round.

Hit The Lights

Never underestimate the power of different lights in a room. Regular light bulbs can make a room overwhelmingly bright; using lights tinted with Living Coral can make the room look cool, natural, and functional.

Fresh Furniture

If your old furniture set is looking a little worn, now’s the time to replace it. Living Coral will add a soft touch to your living space, especially against light colored walls. A plush, velvety lounge chair or couch will look luxurious with this bright shade. Not looking for a complete overhaul? Even a fun new addition like a foot rest or a lamp will stand out! Living Coral’s gold undertones can be showcased in even the smallest things like accent stools or new table legs.

Does It Match The Drapes?

Window dressings are just as important as lighting when it comes to the character of the room. Adding fabric shades, blinds, or draperies in Living Coral can bring a fresh look to a dull area of the home. Enhance the gorgeous color of the setting sun or the calming, midday glow against a new set of curtains. Even just a little coral in your window treatments can coordinate nicely with the rest of your room.

Fun Kitchenware

The details make a big difference! You don’t have to do a complete kitchen renovation to get the benefits of Living Coral. Consider adding a new appliance, measuring cups, or cooking tools. Accent your kitchen table with dishes, placemats, or even something as subtle as a new salt and pepper shaker set. These little additions still look fabulous without sinking in a lot of effort or money.

A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Have you fallen in love with Living Coral? Give it a place in your home by painting an accent wall, your front door, or any room that desperately needs a dash of color. A new interior paint job can even increase the value of your home.

Want to learn more about how you can utilize Living Coral to add more charm to your home this summer? Reach out to us today for window treatment options, interior design tips, and more!

Choosing the Correct Shade of White

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 30 May 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Whether you are moving into a new place, or want to update your current home’s look, picking out the right colors is important. And the color selection is not the only important thing; choosing the right shades of color is crucial as well. Your colors and shades will dictate other decoration choices, including your blinds and/or window treatments.

Furthermore, when it comes to white blinds, you need to pay close attention to the shade(s) you select. Why? Because even the color white can have undertones (or color tones that are only noticeable when placed alongside other color elements) that will either add or detract from the overall look of your room.

How, then, can you choose the correct shade of white for your window treatments? Here are some tips that can help.

Tip #1: Examine the Undertones

While a white sample at first glance may simply look, well, white , you can easily tell which undertone it contains by comparing it to a true white color element. Here’s one simple way to do so: place your sample against a sheet of white printer paper. You should be able to easily tell if it contains an undertone of brown, pink, yellow, or any other color.

Tip #2: Decide on an Undertone

Either before or after you examine your samples, you’ll need to settle on which undertone would work best for your decor. Ask yourself: which shade best matches the paint job and other elements in the room? Which shade would conflict with other elements? What colors do I want to pop out? Asking these questions early on can save you from having to redo your decorative choices in the future.

Tip #3: Test the Samples

Of course, choosing a shade in a store or over the Internet is one thing; but sometimes seeing how it plays out in your home is something else entirely! So make sure to test out the samples you’ve ordered first. Tape them up where the blinds would be, and see how they interact with the wall, trim, and other elements. Determine if your room’s lighting changes the desired effect at all.

Once you go through this process, one of two things will happen. Either you’ll feel much more confident about your choices, or you’ll see the need to make adjustments. Either way, you’ll be happy you tested your colors out first!

Tip #4: Avoid Yellow (in Most Cases)

One word about most scenarios that involve white blinds with yellow undertones: don’t. Think about using a cooler, or more neutral shade instead. Why do we say that?

Unless you are really, really looking for yellow to pop out in your color scheme, white with a yellow undertone will most likely make your blinds look dirty in comparison to the rest of the room. And the nicotine-stained look hasn’t been in style since… well, never!

Tip #5: When Unsure, Match the Trim

If you’re having difficulty deciding which white shade will look the best, a safe bet is to pick the one that most closely matches your trim. If you can find the exact color match for your trim, great. If not, simply line up your samples against the trim, and see which one is the closest fit. It’s hard to go wrong with window treatments that dovetail with the color of the trim!

If you’d like to learn more about how to choose the correct shade of white for your interior decoration, or would like to explore window treatment options that will match your style preferences, reach out to us today at Just Blinds, Inc. We’ll be happy to assist you!

I’m Buying a Home – Do the Blinds Come With It?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 07 May 2019 15:36:00 GMT

If you are in the market for a new house, or are about to close the sale on your new residence, no doubt you are excited about exploring all of the chic and stylish interior decoration options that are available to you. But when it comes to blinds and curtains, you may wonder: “Do they come with the house?”

Some buyers want to imprint their own style on the new residence, and plan to swap out the old blinds with the new anyway. But maybe you’ve fallen in love with the current blind decor, and want to keep it as is. If so, here are some things to consider when answering the question: Do the blinds come with the house?

Fixtures Usually Stay

The first thing you need to realize is that fixtures, or items of movable property that are affixed to a piece of real property, almost invariably come with the house. So blinds, plantation shades and shutters that are screwed into the wall would generally be considered fixtures.

Curtains, though, are kind of tricky. Curtain hangers and rods are often considered fixtures, because they are attached to the house wall; however, the curtains themselves are frequently not classified as fixtures, since they can so easily slide off the rods. So then, how can you tell if the curtains are staying or going? That leads us into our next point:

Know What’s in the Contract

Some seller property disclosures actually stipulate that certain items normally considered as fixtures will not “convey” (or come with the house). Depending on the seller, these items may include both curtains and curtain rods, as well as any other drapes and blind treatments. Therefore, it’s important to know exactly what, if anything, the home buying contract defines as a non-conveying item.

In addition, contract regulations may vary from state to state. So even if the blinds are not specifically mentioned in the property disclosure or contract, it’s good to know if state legislation has any bearing on whether the blinds stay or go.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

This point cannot be overstated. It’s important to communicate with the seller early, communicate with the seller often, and communicate with the seller clearly.

The home seller may be planning to take his window treatments with him, for use in his new residence. So if you’ve developed a fascination with his blinds and curtains, you need to let him know this as soon as possible, and see if you can negotiate for their inclusion in the sale. Though you may feel shy about bringing it up, it is better to take the bull by the horns early on, then wait until later in the process and risk needless delays, or even the purchase of the house itself!

Here’s another key point to remember: verify everything in writing. Even if the seller verbally agrees to leave the blinds with the house, it’s always best to commit the agreement to writing, so that no misunderstanding or dispute will come up at a later time.

To summarize: while each case is unique, it’s always a good idea to remember these 3 points:

It’s important to be well-informed in the home buying process, even with small (but significant) details like who keeps the blinds. If you’d like to learn more about how the right blinds can make your new place crackle with style, or want to check out our extensive catalog, contact us today at Just Blinds, Inc.

Woven Wood Blinds Explained

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 16:37:00 GMT

Woven wood blinds create a unique and timeless look in any area of your living space, from the bedroom to the living room. Whether you’ve dressed them up or kept it nice and simple, the style created by these useful blinds can add to your space and give your guests something to talk about.

These are a timeless choice, but have made quite the comeback over the past few years. So…What is it that makes these blinds so useful and beautiful?

Stylish Look and Feel

The soft organic fabrics and natural fibers of woven wood blinds have a high-touch, natural feel that can’t be duplicated with any other type of blind. Because of their specific woven design, they diffuse the light more evenly than any other type of blind, creating a room’s glow rather than slats of light created by many other times of blind or shade.

They can also be layered with many other types of curtain to further control light, sound, temperature, or privacy of the room. Layering these curtains also offers the ability to customize the look and feel of your room to create a specific mood or match the season.

A Beautiful Match For Any Space

When considering the look of your woven wood blinds, don’t worry too much about the colors of your hardwood floors or walls. These don’t ever really need to match, but should complement one another in a more subtle way. Plus, with the addition of layered curtains of any color or shade, you can create any look you’d like to with the same blinds as your focal point!

Whether your space is hardwood, carpet, or tile, you’ll be able to customize your woven wood blinds to match the look and feel of any space without causing conflicting styles or mismatched decor!

Wide Variety of Materials

These woven blinds come in a variety of materials that you can choose from, depending on your budget, style, and feel. Bamboo, grasses, and reeds each create their own unique look while complementing a space in one way or another. Bamboo is also an eco-friendly choice, and can be provided reeds, jutes, and/or grasses. Each option provides not only a different look, but a different allowance of light into a room, depending on if you’d like a thinner, more ambient blind, or a thicker, more privacy-based look.

Control With a Pull

One of the nicest things about woven wood blinds is their ability to be easily drawn up or released depending on the time of day or mood you’re trying to set in a room. Simply pulling on the attached cord effortlessly glides the blinds toward the top of the window, while an angled release lowers them back down as much or as little as you need. This allows the lighting to be changed with minimal effort, and makes for an easy morning of beautiful sunlight entering the room when you draw them back upon waking.

Additional options for your blinds may include cordless and motorized lift options, privacy liners, and edge banding, again dependent upon your budget and style. These blinds are a huge style component of your home, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more money making the look and feel seamless and beautiful!

Get Started Today

If you’re in the Montgomery area and looking for a blind or shade solution, look no further than Just Blinds. We offer competitive prices on woven wood blinds , as well as many other styles. When you purchase blinds through us, you get a free onsite consultation, expert measuring, and professional installation. Contact us today to find out more about how Just Blinds can help you find the best look and feel for any room!

Making Your Interior Decoration “Pop” with Woven Wood Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:24:00 GMT

Are you looking for a way to add some simple charm to your home’s ambiance? Or maybe you would like to brighten up your rooms’ somewhat “flat” decoration? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then woven wood blinds may just be the perfect fit for you! But you may wonder: “What exactly are woven wood blinds? How expensive are they? And how should I use them for my rooms?”

What They Are

Woven wood blinds, or shades, are a type of blind that is fashioned from materials such as bamboo, jute, straw, or other “woody” substances. Oftentimes people use the terms “blind” and “shade” interchangeably when it comes to woven wood. A blind is, of course, a window covering that has interconnected but separate slats, whereas a shade is a single piece of fabric. However, woven wood products usually have characteristics of both blinds and shades, so either term could be accurately used.

Many people also refer to woven wood blinds as “matchstick” blinds, but the matchstick look really only applies to a few varieties of woven wood designs.

So what are some ways you can use them in your interior decorating?

Their Applications

There are tons of ways you can apply woven wood blinds to your home! Here are just some suggestions to try out:

NOTE: It is important to remember that most woven wood blinds are see-through; so if you are planning to use them as privacy blinds, you’ll need some sort of liner or extra material to successfully keep away prying eyes. Another good idea may be to flank your blinds with curtains or drapes that will allow you to enjoy that level of privacy whenever you wish.

Learning About Woven Wood Blinds

Woven wood blinds can enhance your home’s beauty in so many different ways . The options are nearly limitless! If you want to make your interior decoration “pop,” then learning about the properties of woven wood blinds, their versatility, and their uses can help you make the right decisions for your home.

At Just Blinds, Inc., we are experts in helping our clients decide what type of blinds, shades, drapes, or other options would help turn their home decoration into a vibrant, creative statement. If you’d like to learn more about woven wood blinds, or other window treatments, please reach out to us today.

Do your Drapes Need a Refresh? Here’s What’s Trending…

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 17:20:00 GMT

There is no better way to spruce up a room than changing the window treatments, especially the drapes. With so many eye-catching ideas, everyone will think you totally redecorated, especially if you move the furniture around. Look around your room for a new color or pattern idea.

It’s All About Light-Weight Layering

Going into the New Year, living rooms and bedrooms are being adorned with multi-colored layering. It is two, three and even four colors being layered together. Beautiful fringes, chords, and tassels are used to design dramatic scallops and angles to make every home unique.

Living Rooms that Entertain

Many people still enjoy having an elegant room for entertaining their guests. You can dress up your room with dramatic draperies.

Family Room Where Everyone Hangs Out

Kitchen Windows Are for Gazing

Most people don’t like closing off their kitchen windows, especially when the windows are over the sink. It’s always relaxing to look out when we’re doing the dishes. Some people have beautiful bay windows that welcome in the morning light. Depending on how your kitchen faces the rising and setting sun, you may want to be able to dim some of that sunlight.

Bedrooms – Fancy or Plain

Many master bedrooms, especially those with a lanai and pool, have large slider doors. Along with blinds or shutters for privacy, drapes and curtains make a bedroom cozy and play a big part of the decor.

Just Blinds Can Help You Create A Refreshing New Look

With over 30 years of experience in the Central Alabama area, our creative team at Just Blinds, Inc. has been helping homeowners design and create exciting changes with window treatments whether through custom blinds, shades, plantation shutters and all types of window fashions. Our in-home consultations are free. We are always excited to see our customers love their homes all over again and again with a refreshing new look through the windows. Let us help you envision the new look.

Why Woven Wood Shades Are Almost Always The Right Choice

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:26:00 GMT

When decorating your home, the biggest mistake homeowners can make is leaving your windows bare. Having decorative yet functional window treatment can make or break the impression you’re trying to make for your home. If you’re in the market for window treatments in your existing home or for a new home, woven wood shades may be the right choice for you. Eco-friendly, beautiful, and high-quality, woven wood shades can spruce up your living space while providing you the privacy and personality you want for your home!

Woven wood shades, commonly known as bamboo shades, are window treatment coverings designed with the environment in mind. These all natural, sustainable coverings can be made with a variety of materials, including bamboo, reeds, and grasses and are fully customizable, available in an abundance of colors, textures, and styles making them a great option to complement both casual and elegant decor. Woven wood shades have many operational features to suit your needs such as:

Privacy

Woven wood shades provide ample privacy, depending upon the style you choose. While still allowing light to filter through you have control on who can see into your home. For additional privacy and to adjust noise level, reduce light, and to regulate temperature, woven wood shades are perfect for layering with other window treatments. Blackout shades, window panels, and drapes can all be combined beautifully, giving you the decor style you want with the comfort you need.

Maintenance and Cleaning

A fairly low maintenance option for your home, these shades can be dusted with a soft, microfiber cloth or duster to remove dirt and dust. Finding a material that won’t snag the texture of the shades is important to preserve the style and longevity of the covering. For heavily textured shades, using the soft-bristled attachment of your vacuum to clean them is the quickest and easiest option. For heavy-duty spot cleaning, dampen a sponge or microfiber cloth and apply to the stained area, taking care to not use too much water to avoid warping the shade. Apply minimal pressure and scrub. When the stain is lifted pat dry to soak up excess water.

Versatility

Woven wood shades can be used both indoors to give your space a natural, airy feel. Bamboo thrives in wet, tropical environments and while not waterproof, many styles of shades are water resistant, making them an excellent choice for exterior use.

Environmentally Friendly

Many window treatment options are created with plastics and use a lot of energy and natural resources to manufacture. With woven wood shades, they are made with natural fibers and dyes, helping reduce the impact on the environment. Additionally by using sustainable, renewable resources during production, we reduce our carbon footprint one pair of shades at a time.

Woven wood shades can bring a natural yet dramatic look to the rooms in your home. Fitting a wide range of decor styles, these shades will spruce up your space and complement furnishings you already have. As well as making a design impact, woven wood shades will provide you and your family the privacy you expect.

At Just Blinds Inc, we offer a diverse selection of woven wood window treatments with a history of top-notch customer service and installation, so you can rest assured your investment will look it’s greatest for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation; we look forward to serving you!

Looking for Window Treatments? Try Hunter Douglas Roller Shades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 16:17:00 GMT

The right window treatment is the icing on the cake. Whether home or office, window treatments offer more than privacy. Window treatments offer beauty and a way to pull the style of the room together. When it comes to Roller Shades, we’d like to acquaint you with our line of shades by Hunter Douglas.

Why Hunter Douglas?

We choose to partner with the best American made brands to ensure our customers get quality products installed in their homes. We offer Hunter Douglas as a leader in the window treatment industry with more than 100 years of experience. Hunter Douglas is also the leader in creating many state of the art window treatment operating systems that are now the industry standard.

Why Roller Shades by Hunter Douglas?

With many roller shades available in the market, you want to be sure that your selection will last and look good for many years. These shades offer:

In addition, a lifetime limited warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials adds an extra sense of security in owning this product.

The Sonnette Roller Shade Collection

This collection offers energy efficiency because the Sonnette is in truth a cellular shade with the ease of a roller. There are four styles of fabric which offer semi-opaque to room darkening options. And it doesn’t stop there. The Sonnette fabric collection has 48 color options from browns to reds and whites to grays. Metallic fabric choices are also available.

The Sonnette is available in one of three operating systems.

Designer Roller Shade Collection

This vast collection of designer shades by Hunter Douglas is easily incorporated into any home or office design. They are clean enough to fit under draperies yet modern and beautiful enough to stand on their own. They are offered in 330 different fabrics including opaques, sheer, textured and woven designs. You will also be astounded by the wide array of colors and patterns.

Like the Sonnette Collection, these custom-made window treatments can be ordered in a variety of systems which not only includes a cordless, battery-powered and wireless but also incorporates

1. A retractable cord system where shades are raised or lowered by pulling a cord, which then retracts so that no dangling cord is ever an issue.

2. A continuous cord loop system that works like a pulley to easily lift or lower your shades.

Both collections are custom made to fit any size window in your home including French, patio or sliding doors, and bay or corner windows. Versatility at its best.

Just Blinds is proud to offer the Hunter Douglas Roller Shade collection which combines state of the art engineering and luxury fabrics, color, and designs. Contact us and let us show you what is available. Our trained professionals are here to help in selecting the color and style that will work for your home or office.

Woven Wood Shades: Incredible Benefits & Features

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 16:22:00 GMT

Are you looking to make a statement in your home? Great, you’re in the right place. The warm and natural vibes of installing woven wood shades will do just that. With such a wide variety of colors, styles, textures, and options, you can bring that tropical or earthy feel into your living space. Just Blinds only installs the highest quality woven shades from Hunter Douglas and Lafayette. We’ll discuss the benefits of installing wood woven shades as well as each companies’ types of high-quality shades offered.

Benefits

Hunter Douglas

Provenance® Woven Wood Shades

Imagine walking through a bamboo forest. Relaxing. Organic. Beautiful. Provenance shades are made from natural materials including woods, reeds, bamboo, and grasses. This combination provides texture to your space and filters sunlight magnificently. It’s made of the sturdiest materials to minimize stretching, fading, and breaking.

Available in:

Hunter Douglas’ PowerView®Motorization system lets you control and schedule your shades from your smartphone, tablet or our Pebble® remote. If technology isn’t of interest to you, they also offer standard cord installation and retractable wands, among a variety of others.

Lafayette

Manh Truc® Roller & Roman Shades

Buckle your seatbelt, you’re in for a whole new adventure. Hand woven and exotic woven wood shades await you. These shades are made from all natural materials including bamboo, wood, reed, bark, grasses, and jute. If you have small children, have peace of mind since many of Lafayette’s window treatments are safety checked to qualify for easy to find “certified best for kids” label.

Available in:

All Lafayette window treatments are covered by their lifetime limited warranty .

Why Choose Woven Wood Shades?

You simply can’t get any closer to bringing nature into your home unless you start growing bamboo stalks in your kitchen. Woven wood shades create a one-of-a-kind look that any other shade can’t compete with. The charm and unique pattern consistency mean that no two shades are alike. With the benefits and customization options available on the market today, it’s a great option if you’re looking to upgrade your home interior.

Contact Just Blinds for a FREE on-site consultation to discuss installation options based on your needs. We’re dedicated to showing you just how affordable and quick your home can beautifully transform! Contact us today, we’re here to help you.

Why Motorized Blinds are a Smart Option

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 21:48:00 GMT

As you probably already know, the right window treatments can make a huge difference in the appearance and functionality of a room. One of the most popular trends in the custom window treatment industry is motorized window blinds.

Perhaps you’ve noticed motorized blinds in some of the hotels where you’ve stayed. Today, these window coverings are becoming increasingly more common in homes and offices. There are various reasons why so many homeowners and business owners prefer motorized blinds. Here are some of the main benefits of motorized blinds, along with a few considerations and warnings.

Ease of Operation

The quality that almost all motorized blinds have in common is convenience, meaning they’re exceptionally easy to operate. Thanks to continued improvements in home automation, motorized blinds are becoming even simpler to use. Your thermostat can be easily programmed for keeping a home at optimal temperatures. Having window coverings motorized lets you operate your blinds by a remote control, a timer or a wall switch. In fact, you could even use a tablet or Smartphone, which makes these blinds incredibly convenient.

Protection from Harmful UV Sunrays

Sunlight streaming through windows can cause fading on furniture, floors, artwork, family photos and other furnishings. But this isn’t a problem when you have motorized blinds as they protect your household valuables from destructive sunlight that can age them.

Energy Bill Savings

If you’re concerned about the environment and reducing energy consumption, then consider motorized blinds. Because motorized blinds can block or let in light into rooms, they’re amazingly energy efficient. This means you can save money on your energy bill at the same time you’re making your home more comfortable and inviting. What’s more, by using a timer or sensor with your blinds, you can automate them.

Safety Benefits

Tragically, young children and pets have lost their lives because of strangulation from playing with window cords. In fact, 86 percent of window treatments that involve these accidents are mini-blinds or Venetian blinds. That’s why many parents and pet owners are installing motorized blinds as they’re cordless and safer for kids and pets.

Security Advantages

Many homeowners choose motorized blinds for security reasons. This is because a home that has motorized blinds can appear to have people living inside just by the shades moving up and down at various times of the day. In other words, this gives a home an actual lived-in look, even when homeowners are away from home.

Stunning Appeal

In addition to all their practical benefits, motorized coverings are just plain impressive, giving your home a fresh, updated appearance. The absence of ugly cords is one feature than makes them cosmetically appealing.

Better Utilization of Space

Another significant benefit of motorized window blinds is that they can create more useable space even though they can’t physically enlarge a house or building. Maybe you’ve dreamed of having a home theater but don’t have enough room. By simply touching a button, a living room can have a dual purpose by also serving as a home theater.

Other Considerations and Warnings

To learn more about the advantages of motorized blinds, visit Just Blinds. For the past three decades, we’ve been providing top quality window treatments for the residents of Central Alabama. Please contact us and find out about our wide range of products.

Handle Your Entire Interior Design Starting with Custom Drapes

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 01:22:00 GMT

The way you design the living spaces in your home will influence every day of your life. How you feel when you come home, how the light plays over your furniture in the mornings and afternoons, and even how comfortable you feel when relaxing in the evenings. While many people are happy with the random collection of furniture they accumulate over time, the best way to both create a pleasing interior design without replacing your existing furniture is with the power of accents. When the curtains on your windows, the pillows on your couch, and the rug on your floor all match, you can transform your living or bedrooms from the usual mix-and-match into something that looks like you hired a professional interior designer.

Of course, one of the reasons why most people don’t do this is because it’s hard to achieve when buying ‘this and that’ online and in home decoration stores, it’s hard to find things that match perfectly. But there is one fantastic trick to pull your entire interior design together with one custom order: window treatments. When you work with professional drapers who will make custom curtains, they can use the same fabric or tastefully matching designs for other accents for a quick, easy, and fun way to create a complete look.

Valances

Have you ever had curtains with a valance? To answer this question, it may help to know what a valance is. Valances are an extra, often slightly extended, layer of curtain over the top six inches to a foot of your curtains. They add shape and style and will hide the space where your curtains hang from the rod. Some premade curtains come with valances but with custom made drapes, you can choose both your drape fabric and the fabric for the valance which can match or be a different, accenting pattern instead. Just Blinds will also help you mount your valances so that they look perfect above your windows.

Sheer Drapes

Sheer drapes are another great way to add style, class, and light control to any room. If you like long, flowing drapes or even short, tidy ones, these can be strung on a separate rod or track right behind your normal drapes. Sheer drapes flow in the breeze and only block about 20% of the light, but they diffuse direct sunlight into a nice soft illumination for the room during the day and create a lovely layering effect with drapes that open in the center. With custom drapes, you can get sheer drapes of exactly the right color and size for your drapes along with help putting them up so they slide easily and separately from your drapes.

Shades

Another great way to control the light in a room is to pair your drapes with pull-down shades. These can be rigged up flat against a window while the curtains hang further out allowing you to use the curtains for decoration and thermal protection and the shades for detail light control during the hours when the sun tends to shine directly into eyes and reflect off of surfaces. You can even get cell shades that move up and down on a track to block exactly the section of window where the sun is shining in to leave you with some view.

Matching Rugs, Lamps, and Pillows

The final touch, the real way to pull everything together, is what happens when you’ve designed your drapes and are ready to match the rest of the features. Here at Just Blinds, you don’t have to stop at the window treatments. We have a comprehensive collection of rugs, pillows, lamps, wall art, throw blankets and much more. With this kind of selection, you can handle almost everything about your interior design except the paint and plumbing fixtures. To start your complete interior design plan, contact us today!

The Top 3 Most Popular Products at Just Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 21:35:00 GMT

At Just Blinds, we’re proud to offer an enormous selection of blinds, draperies, shades, and shutters, custom designed to suit your home and your preferences, because we know every house and the people who live there are different. We want you to be happy with your choice for years, so we work with you to find the perfect style and fit.

Despite the many options, there are a few products that people keep coming back to. They’re beautiful and convenient, and they go so well with a variety of interior design styles. Are one of our top three products on your next window treatment shopping list?

3″-4″ Shutters (with an Offset Tilt Rod)

Shutters create instant elegance along with the opportunity for shade and privacy with a simple tilt of the shutters. Not only do you enjoy a cohesive, uniform look throughout your home, shutters can also add value to your home if you ever decide to sell it. The shutters are attractive, of course (instant curb appeal!), but the buyers might also be relieved to see the windows are already stylish and complete, and they won’t have to figure out what to do about window treatments themselves!

Another highlight of having shutters is the energy efficiency they offer your home. They keep the heat outside in the summer and inside in the winter to help you stay comfortable and control your utility bill.

Many people prefer the offset tilt rod for a cleaner view. Take a look at some of the tilt options offered by O’Hair, a manufacturer offering American-made shutters that are built to last.

Cordless Wood Blinds

Wood is an easy choice: it’s warm and inviting, and it comes in a wide variety of styles, stains, and colors. Wood blinds are more resistant to the fading and warping that eventually impact faux wood blinds. They last a long time; having them perfectly customized to suit your home is especially important, since you’ll be enjoying them for years!

Cordless blinds offer a neater appearance, but they’re also safer, particularly if you have children or pets. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission identifies a strangulation risk associated with cords. Even when products conform to the voluntary safety standard, it’s still possible to get cords tangled or tied and present a hazard. Going cordless is a simple way for parents (and pet parents!) to ease their minds. One option is the Hunter Douglas LiteRise system, which allows you to simply and smoothly push your blinds up and pull them down from the bottom.

Check out some of the beautiful wood blinds by Lafayette Interior Fashions . They come in more than 52 colors (plus the option of custom color), are easy to clean, and offer the option of decorative valance or tapes.

Roller Shades

Ah, the old classic: roller shades are incredibly versatile, easy to use, and easily customizable. Choose shades in fabric or vinyl and just about any color or pattern you can imagine. ( Lafayette , for example, offers more than 250 color options.) Whether you want to block the light or merely filter it, make a statement or keep it simple, we can find the perfect roller shades for you.

You also have several options for operating systems: a continuous cord loop, cordless, or motorized. (Read more about the Hunter Douglas operating system options here .)

Are one of these three most popular products a good fit for your home? Contact Just Blinds and let’s see! We provide a free in-home consultation to help you determine which window coverings are best for your space. From classic to modern, traditional to quirky, we’ll find the ideal match for you and your home.

Exterior Shutters: Beauty Meets Functionality

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 21:35:00 GMT

Whether you just built a new home or are looking to boost the elegance, adding exterior shutters can incorporate many great qualities to your property. While shutters definitely add a spark of visual appeal, architects are using them nowadays as decorative and practical. One of our hottest selling exterior shutter brands is O’Hair. Using only the finest materials to construct O’Hair shutters, rest assured knowing you are getting an American made, rock-solid product that will outlast temperature changes, pests, and inclement weather.

There are three different types of mounting available for exterior shutters including fixed, fully functional, and Bahamas mount. We’ll cover all the bases on these options, as well as dive deeper into the beauty, quality, and functionality exterior shutters can offer.

Mounting

All of these shutter mounts are customizable to different heights (12” – 133”) to fit your exact needs. Our panels also range in sizes from (9” – 50”). Using computer controlled precision, screw-reinforced mortise-and-tenon-joinery on the frames, and permanently attached tilt rods to ensure superior installation.

Beauty

All of our O’Hair shutters come custom finished painted with KEM Aqua BP Enamel. These are custom blended to match your existing decor colors. Stain finishes are also available if desired. Your home will be the talk of the town with our breathtaking designs and outstanding quality of work. Adding new shutters will give your home that elegant vibe you’ve always wanted. Character awaits you, see for yourself how you can transform your home today.

Quality

Functionality

Add character and protection to your home today. When you buy O’Hair, you’re investing in the highest quality hardwood shutter available on the market today. Unmatched sturdiness, customization, beauty, and functionality in a product you can trust. For an estimate or more information on O’Hair exterior shutters, contact Just Blinds today. We’re ready to answer any questions you may have about our products or services.

Trends in Motorized Window Treatments

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 13:47:00 GMT

Motorized window treatments are the epitome of convenience and practicality. Not only are they the best option for today’s “walls” of windows, they’re also the safest option for families with children and pets.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

In an age where we can communicate with far-away friends and relatives in an instant, and even — with the help of innovations like Skype — face-to-face, the notion of motorized window treatments is truly a fitting concept for the 21st-century home! We can control most, if not all, of the major systems in our homes, so why not afford ourselves the same capability for something as basic as a window blind or drapery?

Bringing a Classic into the Electronic Age

Take something as timeless as a window shade. It’s a window classic that’s been providing privacy in windows across the country for what seems like eons. Thanks to industry leaders like Lafayette, this classic window treatment can offer convenience, safety and technological ease — all at an affordable price!

Just as it was with the innovations of recent years such as personal computers and flat screen TV’s, technological advances have driven down the price of motorized window treatments so that what was once a luxury for a privileged few has become a practical option for the masses.

Eliminating Complicated and Costly Installations

Keeping Our Kids Safe

For all of the convenience offered by motorized window treatments, perhaps their most compelling attribute is their ability to eliminate a safety hazard that has sadly hospitalized — and even ended the lives of — small children. We’re referring to the looped cord that is the operational key to many popular window treatments. It is all too easy for a toddler who’s just learning how to walk to stumble, as we all know. Unfortunately, many families have learned in the cruelest possible way that a misstep by a toddler near one of these looped cords can spell disaster in a matter of just a few short minutes.

Both affordable options from Lafayette Interior Fashions are Certified Best for Kids , so you can install them with complete peace of mind that your little ones and your family pets have one less household danger to contend with.

Warrantied and Simple to Operate

Both options use a rechargeable lithium battery that offers 6-12 months of regular use on a single charge (under normal conditions). Both options eliminate the need for invasive installation wiring work, and an innovative electronic limit setting ensures that the shades will stop automatically at their highest and lowest points.

See Them in Action at Just Blinds

The window treatment professionals at Just Blinds are ready to demonstrate these great new motorized shade options and to answer any questions you might have about the products themselves, their operation or their warranties. Why not contact us today for a free on-site consultation? We’ve been serving Central Alabama for more than three decades and we’ve built a reputation for excellent customer service, fair prices and the very best quality window treatments available in the U.S.A. No matter what style you prefer, you can count on finding the perfect custom solution for your windows at Just Blinds !

Why You Should Go Motorized

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 14:33:00 GMT

So you have decided that shades are right for you, but you don’t know whether or not you want them motorized. Shades are a great window treatment that will look lovely with your home decor. They bring beauty to your home and accent your style with simple grace whether you get them motorized or not. So why should you motorize them?

Difference in Controls

Standard shades that you open and close manually have delicate internal parts that allow them to open and close. These usually include cords or springs that work well for a long time, but these are the parts of your shades that break first. Every time you operate a window treatment manually, it places stress on the internal mechanisms. The more the shades are manually opened and closed, the faster they wear out. With the motorized mechanisms, the controlling parts are in the motor and are therefore external to the shade. There are no cords or springs. This is a more durable method of operating the control over your window coverings as well as a more gentle one.

Extends the Lifespan

During the lifespan of your window treatments, everyone in the family has a hand in opening and closing them. Not everyone in your family is as gentle as you are, and often times the shades get yanked on and rough treated. This is before we think about how much oil and dirt we accumulate on our hands and leave on everything we touch. Having your shades motorized extends not only their lifespan but also their beauty. While the initial cost of the motorization is more, the overall cost is worth it when you factor in how much longer they work well and look great.

Comfort and Convenience

Motorized shades are the best in comfort and convenience. With just a push of a button, your window treatments open or close for your maximum comfort, privacy needs, and view options. Motorized window coverings allow you to operate shades with a wall switch, a remote control, a timer, and even your smart phone or tablet. With a timer you can have the settings adjust based on the time of day. They can open in the morning for the sunshine and view, close when the full sunlight hits the windows, later they can re-open, and in the evening close for privacy.

Security

The more lived in your home looks, the safer it is. With motorized window shades, your home has an occupied look no matter where you are. You can have timers change the settings on your shades, or you can control your shades from your mobile device. Either option results in your home looking occupied even when you are out-of-town. This helps deter criminals from choosing your home.

Simply Wow

The shades are beautiful on their own, but the clean sharp look of motorized shades is beyond lovely. They will not only make your life easier and more comfortable, but they will bring a wow factor to your home. They are just cool, and there is something about having the best. If you want to make a lasting impression on your friends and guests, then motorized roller shades are for you!

At Just Blinds, we offer you the best in window treatment options and all the information you need to make the best decision on what you want for your home. We believe that motorized shades are well worth your consideration, because of their extended life and longer lasting beauty. We are ready to help you find the perfect window treatments for your home today. Contact us for more information.

Custom Draperies: What Style Works For You?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 21:32:00 GMT

Dressing your windows with store-bought, ready-made draperies can be a guessing game. In the opinion of many designers, you’re better off leaving them bare or making due with a shade for privacy until you can afford the “real deal” — custom draperies, which will fit your window the way they’re supposed to, hang correctly and look like no store-bought version ever could. But before you open up your checkbook, it pays to know what your options are, so we’ve put together a little primer on custom draperies to help you decide on the best style for your tastes, your window type, and your budget.

Before you decide on a style, you’ll need to consider a few basics …

Stationary or Moving?

If you use shades or blinds to provide privacy when needed, a stationery drapery may be perfect for a layered look. However, if you’re using draperies alone, you’ll probably want a pair that moves, either manually or via a motor and a remote control, in order to open and close them at will.

Where Do You Want Them to Break?

This is custom-drapery lingo for “How long do you want them to be?” You may want them to stop at the point where the floor meets the wall, or you may prefer a “puddled” look, which is decidedly elegant, but probably not practical if you have a shedding pet!

Full or Tailored?

One of the advantages of ordering custom draperies is that you can opt for a fuller, more luxurious look. (Store-bought draperies are typically only twice the width of a window, whereas a custom drapery can be three or even four times wider for a richer, more voluminous appearance. Or, if you prefer a more modern or minimalist approach to decorating, you can have a more tailored drapery made in the fabric of your choice.

Once you’ve narrowed down your functional and general preferences, you can decide what type of draperies will best fit your design style …

Inverted Box Pleats

This is a great style for a couple, since inverted box pleats are neither too feminine nor too masculine. They have a nice, tailored look when closed , and stack nicely when opened, allowing beautiful hardware to take center stage!

Tie-Backs

Tie-Back draperies are a traditional style, so if you’re a lover of modern spaces, you probably won’t love them. If, on the other hand, you love all things classic and elegant, a nice pair of custom tie-backs may be just the thing for elegantly dressing a beautiful window while allowing you to take in a great view at the same time.

Romantic

Do you love a romantic, ethereal look? Opt for flowing gauzy draperies that puddle on the floor or billow with the breeze through an open window.

Casual

Is your home more casual than formal? There’s no law that says your custom draperies must be long. Options such as roman shades offer the pattern and lining choices of custom-made draperies, but impart a decidedly relaxed look to a room. Another casual option is tab-top or tie-top draperies.

Benefits of Custom Draperies

Not only will custom draperies fit your windows perfectly, but you’ll have your choice of fabrics, colors, patterns and hardware. You’ll also be able to customize the lining, adding a blackout or thermal lining in lieu of a standard cotton or synthetic lining. You can even opt to forgo manually operated cords and have your custom draperies motorized, an option that’s not only more convenient, particularly with tall or expansive windows, but also safer in households with children or pets.

You’ll also have the benefit of professional installation by a drapery expert who knows all of the little “tricks” to make your new custom draperies look and function the way they should! (For example, did you know that it’s a good idea to leave one ring outside the bracket when installing ringed draperies? That little trick helps hold your draperies in place as you open and close them!)

If you’re looking for the best custom draperies for your Central Alabama home, you won’t find a better place to get them than Just Blinds . We’ve been serving the region for more than 30 years, offering the finest fabrics, the best selection, and a team of professionals with a desire to meet your every need!

Contact us today to learn more about how Just Blinds can help you choose a style that fits your taste and your budget!

Why You Should Choose Cellular Shades for Your Home

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 22 May 2017 16:22:00 GMT

Cellular shades are also called honey comb shades, and are some of the best window treatments. They are the most energy-efficient window treatment. The simple elegant look is lovely with many of the decors in style today. They have the optional motorized control, and TopDown BottomUp opening. Here are eight reasons you should choose cellular shades for your window treatments.

1. Light Control and Privacy

You have complete control over your light control and privacy level with cellular shades. The shades fit snug to the window and eliminate the gaps of light that usually occur between the shade and the window sill. This makes the room dark when you want. With a TopDown BottomUp cellular shade you can open the shade from either the top or the bottom. Now when you want light in and privacy, bring the top down enough for light to enter and up enough for your privacy. When you don’t need the privacy and want more light, open the shade from the bottom up.

2. Energy Efficiency

The design of the cellular shades traps air in the long honey comb shaped cells. This trapped air creates an insulation layer between the window and the room. This insulation feature of the shades keeps the heat where you want it, out in the summer and in during winter. This is the reason that these charming shades have the best rating for efficiency.

3. Sound Absorption

Just as the insulating factor of the shades keeps heat where you want it, it also absorbs sound. The air pockets in the shades traps part of the sound and makes the room quieter. This is a feature that is nice with children. It is also especially good at keeping a good part of the outside noise from entering the house.

4. Sleek Design

Professionally installed cellular shades fit tighter to the window than any other window treatment, and the shades have head rails that are unobtrusive. When opened from the bottom up to the fully open position, the shades stack tightly against the rail, which allows an unobstructed view through the window. Not only are these shades designed well, but Skandia’s cellular shade collection has a wide selection of stylish fabrics that offer varying levels of privacy and light control. For more natural light, there are an array of distinctive light filtering patterns. For more light control and privacy, choose a fabric that will limit the light that comes in. There are even several blackout fabric patterns for the greatest light control.

5. Flexible Applications

You can have cellular blinds in any area of your home. There are vertical cellular shades for sliding glass doors and larger windows, and even work well on skylights. Because the shades are custom-made they can even work for you odd-shaped windows such as arches and trapezoids.

6. Motorized and Cordless Applications

Almost every pattern we offer is compatible with a cord-free or motorized lift system. The benefits of this include convenience, safety, and beauty. You can even have your motorized shades work from a solar battery pack, for the best in energy-efficient window treatments.

7. Child Safety

Cords pose a risk for animals and small children, not only to tear up the shades but also to injure themselves. Exposed lift cords can wrap around the child or animal’s neck and cause strangulation. Our cordless shades are the perfect answer for the safety of our little darlings.

8. Double Shades

The cellular shades come in single or double-cell configurations. The single shades are a single layer of cells thick, with one cell perfectly above the next. The double shades are a double layer thick, but the second layer perfectly meshes to the space between the first cells. This means that the places where the single shades are thinner matches to the thicker part of the next layer. This gives you an excellent addition to your insulation factor. This will not only give you more energy efficiency, but also increases the sound absorption factor. If you need more insulation, this is the shade for you.

At Just Blinds , we look forward to helping you choose the very best cellular shade options for your home and lifestyle. Contact us to schedule your free on-site consultation, so we can answer all your window treatment questions.

Top Reasons Why You Should Consider Roller Shades for Your Home

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:39:00 GMT

The aesthetic of an entire room in your home can be altered by the window treatments you choose. This makes it important that you take the time to consider the options available to you when picking out new window treatments for your home. One option that remains popular due to its beauty, functionality, and easy maintenance is roller shades. Roller shades are a simple yet elegant window treatment option, which is why so many people choose them for their home. If you are trying to pick new window treatments for your home, or you have moved into a new home and are in need of window treatments, here are a few of the reasons why you should consider choosing roller shades.

Simple and Elegant

Roller shades are truly a timeless window treatment option that has retained the same design, functionality, and beauty over the years. However, while these shades have not changed much over the years, this does not make them plain. These shades are available in a variety of fabric designs and colors guaranteed to match any room’s aesthetic and style. This then allows you to give these classic shades a contemporary update that will allow them to blend into any room in your home. Their simple elegance is what continues to make roller shades a popular choice among homeowners, as they will provide a functional beauty to your home that is unlikely to go out of style any time soon.

An Inexpensive Choice

For many homeowners, one of the things they are most concerned about when buying window treatments for their home is their budget. However, budgeting is a primary reason why many homeowners choose roller shades, as they are one of the most affordable window treatment options available. With roller shades, you do not have to sacrifice style to save money, as their simple yet effective design has helped to keep their cost down over the years. In fact, there is a roller shade available for every budget, ranging from cheap for the most basic shades, to expensive for motorized privacy shades. No matter what you are looking for, and what your budget is, you will be able to find roller shades that meet your needs.

A Low Maintenance Option

Another reason people love roller shades is due to their cleanliness. The problem with many window treatments, such as traditional window blinds, is that they have various moving parts where dust and dirt tends to collect. This can make these window treatments extremely difficult to clean, and can make them particularly aggravating for people with allergies. Roller shades do not have this problem being made out of a solid piece of fabric, and are thusly much easier to keep clean. For homeowners concerned with cleanliness, roller shades are often a preferred window treatment.

They Are Extremely Versatile

As was previously mentioned, roller shades are extremely versatile due to the variety of styles and colors they come in. Additionally, this versatility of the fabrics available also gives you a greater range of choices for light control in your home. Depending on how much sun/shade your home gets, and how much sunlight you want entering your home when your shades are closed, you can choose shade materials that block out varying amounts of light, giving you more light control in your home. You even have the option to choose double shades that give you an even greater range of light control options.

As you can see, there is a reason why roller shades continue to be such a popular choice among homeowners, as there are a variety of benefits that they provide homeowners with. Contact us to learn more about roller shades, as well as to learn about the various window treatment options available to you when choosing new window treatments for your home.

Product Spotlight: Thin Slat Venetian Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:14:00 GMT

Few window treatments work well with as many different interior design styles as classic Venetian blinds. Whether you use them as a stand-alone window treatment in a modern or minimalist setting, or as a bottom layer with a pair of ornate draperies, Venetian blinds are always up to the task.

O’Hair Venetians for American-Made Quality

These days, it’s getting harder and harder to find quality American-made products of any sort, let alone American-made window treatments. But O’Hair Venetians are made in America, a fact that shows in their quality construction. First of all, they’re made from genuine American hardwood and feature slats that are amazingly thin at just 1/8 of an inch, yet incredibly stable. Furthermore, the slat spacing boasts an amazing 3 – 4 inches. Taking a cue from quality musical instrument makers, the folks at O’Hair achieve this by employing a bookmatched process in which the wood is divided into parallel sections, counter-rotated and bonded. This creates symmetrical grain patterns, similar to those in heirloom musical instruments. The process not only results in superior strength, but it also produces a product that’s incredibly resistant to warping. (Warping is an issue with many hardwood blinds, and once they warp, they lose the ability to keep a room dark and private when in the closed position.)

O’Hair is committed to quality, and to ensure the quality of their thin slat Venetian blinds, they put the slats through some pretty tough testing: They took a stack of 8′ long slats and stood them up against a wall leaving them with a severe 45 degree bend, then walked away from them for over a year. When they finally laid them down to inspect them, they found them as straight, flat and even as they day they were made! Now that’s quality! Testing like this is an important part of the process of introducing a new product because they won’t put the O’Hair name on anything that doesn’t perform to their expectations.

O’Hair is Committed to Keeping Kids Safe

With many Venetian blinds on the market today, cords pose a serious safety threat to young children (and pets). Sadly, too many children become entangled in them, and suffer serious and even fatal injuries. That’s why you won’t find a cord of any lenght on O’Hair Venetian blinds. Instead of cords, O’Hair uses bead-chains that are conservative in length, and mounted no less than 4 feet off the floor — safely out of the reach of young children.

Backed by a Great Warranty

O’Hair is so confident in the quality of their thin slat Venetians, they back them with a generous five-year warranty — one of the very best warranties in the business! Under their warranty, O’Hair will arrange for repair or replacement of components of their Venetian blinds at no cost to you, excluding normal wear and tear or any modifications made to the blinds.

Looks That Match the Quality

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better looking Venetian blind than an O’Hair thin slat Venetian . They compliment any room in your home — bedroom, living room, dining room or kitchen — with a handsome, classic look that’s as versatile as it is beautiful and long-lasting.

Just Blinds in Montgomery, Alabama, is proud to include O’Hair’s thin slat Venetian Blinds among our many fine window treatment offerings. We’ve been serving Central Alabama for more than three decades with quality window treatments and expert installation. Our excellent customer service includes free on-site consultations, expert measuring, and professional guidance, and is one of the things that’s made us the premiere window fashion retailer in the region. Let us show you our beautiful selection of O’Hair Thin-Slat Venetian Blinds or some of our other fine window treatments, and help make your windows look as beautiful as the rest of your home! Contact us online or give us a call at (334) 361-2994 today!

New Year, New Look: Pair Custom Window Treatments with Motorized Blinds and Shades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:15:00 GMT

There’s no question that motorized blinds or shades are a convenient option, but in the case of a wall of windows or extra-tall windows, they can be a necessity! And because they’re free of cords, they’re a safer option for families with small children or pets who could become dangerously entangled in the cords of their traditional, manually-operated counterparts. They’re also a versatile choice for many homeowners who might have rooms with windows of different sizes, heights and even shapes.

If you’re currently enjoying the many advantages of motorized blinds and/or shades, but also longing for a slightly “dressier” look for your windows, consider pairing them with custom draperies for a more traditional look or perhaps a seasonal change of pace. Many people like the extra flexibility of layering draperies over blinds to achieve a warmer look and a warmer temperature, thanks to the extra layer of insulation that the addition of draperies provides.

Here are some ideas to consider when pairing custom window treatments with motorized blinds and shades:

Pairing Textural Draperies with Textural Blinds
In a monochromatic room, texture is the trick designers use to keep a room from looking boring or “flat”. Try using a nubby fabric for your draperies layered over a motorized woven wood blind to make your room come alive. If you like the look of your motorized shades, but want to dress up a room for a slightly more formal look, consider adding stationery drapes for a finished look.

Mix and Match
Don’t feel that you have to treat every window in the room in the same way. In rooms that have windows of differing sizes or shapes you can tie them all together with a similar fabric over your motorized blinds or shades, or use drapes atop some windows and valances or roman shades atop others.

Flat Cornices Atop Motorized Shades or Blinds
If you’re into a modern — but not stark — look, consider topping your windows with a cornice covered in fabric to hide motorized mechanism and add a touch of simple tailoring to your room.

An All-Motorized Layered Look
Sometimes, an all-motorized layered window treatment is the only option in a room with mile-high windows. The motorized shades control light, while the draperies wrap the room in privacy at night with the touch of a button!

A good window treatment professional can help you to decide on what will work best, taking into consideration your individual needs, tastes and budget. If you’ve been intrigued by the idea of motorized window treatments, but worried that they’d look too modern or stark in your traditional room, or just wanted to know what your options are, talk to a window-design pro who understands the “art of the window” better than anyone! In Central Alabama, ask the professionals at Just Blinds for advice and guidance. With more than 30 years experience, and an unbeatable selection, they’ll help you to discover window dressing ideas you may not even have dreamed existed! Contact us today to arrange a free consultation in your own home!

Motorized Blinds and Shades Benefits Seniors and the Disabled

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 21:28:00 GMT

It’s no secret that technology has improved lives. Seniors and the disabled especially have embraced technology. They can now find their way around with the aid of the GPS on their smart phones, work online from their tablets or laptops to pick up extra money, and they use their home automation systems to their best advantage. The elderly and disabled, however, might consider how motorized blinds and shades benefits them. The limitations of seniors and the disabled are being brought to the attention of everyone. Businesses and manufacturers are busily producing items that will help. We, too, are aware of the health problems and limitations of the elderly and disabled. We appreciate a chance to help.

Motorized Blinds and Shades for Arthritic Hands

As the body ages, things like arthritis, osteoporosis and other conditions distort the body’s joints and limbs. Oxygenated blood doesn’t always reach the muscles, limiting their operation. Muscles and joints stiffen up from lack of exercise. Chemical medications might slow the pain, but their side effects are just as bad as the illness they treat. Seniors and the disabled, therefore, need specialized items such as special cell phones with large buttons or lever door knobs instead of regular door knobs. Motorized shades and blinds come with a remote that is easy for seniors and the disabled to operate. These items also can be made to operate by flipping a switch on the wall in the room in which the blinds and shades are located. This also keeps seniors and the disabled with little to no range of motion in their arms or shoulders safe from damaging already damaged limbs by stretching to reach the cords to raise and lower the blinds and shades.

Motorized Blinds and Shades for Hard-to-Reach Windows

Many seniors and disabled move from their present homes into smaller (or larger as the case may be) homes in order to be closer to family members or their health management facilities. Newer homes are being built to make use of windows on all sides of the house for light and architectural beauty. These windows aren’t always designed, though, with seniors and the disabled in mind. Some are floor-to-ceiling windows, windows over the front door or even skylights. These present special problems for the elderly and disabled, for they must either reach or climb onto something in order to open or close the window treatments. While senior eyes need all the light they can get in order to see, they don’t need the potential for an accident reaching for window treatment controls like cords or wands. We welcome the chance to cover these windows with blinds and shades complete with remote control to help the seniors and disabled manage their window treatments safely.

Motorized Blinds and Shades for Privacy

It is a sad commentary on our life today that there are those who prey upon the elderly and disabled with an eye toward illegally removing their belongings. These people canvass neighborhoods for likely prospects and then plan their move. They look for open windows, piled up newspapers on the doorstep, mail over-running the mailbox, toys left out for days or weeks and so forth. These people also check for closed curtains and blinds. If the week passes without the blinds or curtains being opened, they think the house is ripe for a visit. However, when we install blinds and shades for the elderly or disabled, the remote will be used to open, close or adjust the window treatments at various times of the day. Nefarious planners will move on to the next unfortunate homeowner.

Motorized Blinds and Shades for Reflection or Glare

No one likes to get into the greatest part of the story when all of a sudden the sun decides to reflect off the TV or computer screen. Many people hook up their computers to the TV in order to have a larger surface upon which to read or work online. Nothing irritates people more than having their screen go blank due to excessive light reflecting off the screen. We can take care of that for the seniors and disabled using their TVs and computers by installing motorized blinds and shades with remote control. No more glare!

Seniors and the disabled face so many challenges that it just makes sense to make their lives easier any way we can. We can, and when you contact us to learn more about it, we’ll be happy to help.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Window Treatments?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 21:53:00 GMT

An obvious defect is one thing — a few broken slats in a blind, a frayed or torn drapery. But what if you’re not sure. Let us help you decide if it may be time to update your current window treatments with a few tips.

A Style Conflict

Maybe you’ve had the same bedroom draperies for several years, but recently, you decided it was time for a change, so you repainted the bedroom, refinished the side tables, got some new modern-looking lamps, and new bedding. Suddenly, those old draperies just don’t look quite right anymore. The color’s wrong. They style is wrong. Maybe a sleek window treatment would work better with your new modern bedroom style.

It’s A Matter of Wasted Energy

Your house isn’t as young as it was, and like most people, you’re looking to save energy any way you can. Some insulated draperies on those north-facing living room windows might not only give the decor a little punch, but will also make the room feel warmer and more comfortable this winter and will save energy too.

High-Tech Appeal and Convenience

The advent of motorized blinds, shades and draperies has made covering walls of windows or super-high windows practical and easy. And the luxury of opening and closing your window treatments from the comfort of the couch or your bed is truly a treat.

They’ve Gone “Above and Beyond” and Look Like It Too

Face it. Everything wears out eventually, and your window treatments are no exception. With all the new styles, patterns, options and special features available in the land of window treatments today, why not give your tired old draperies, curtains or shades the retirement they deserve and give a room — or the whole house — the update it needs. You’ll be amazed at what a difference changing just one element like a window treatment can make in its power to transform the look and feeling of a room.

Your Husband’s Got a New Job — a Night Shift Job

There’s only one way to handle the bedroom of a shift worker — blackout window treatments. It’s a relatively small investment with a really big payoff: the ability to sleep during the day.

You’ve Just Moved and Nothing Fits the Windows or the Style of the House

You saved your good dining room draperies, and your woven wood blinds from the spare bedroom. You’ve tried them all over the house and they’re just don’t fit any of the windows in your new place. It happens to almost every new tenant or homeowner.

Your Personal Style Has Evolved

Hey, life is all about growth and sometimes our style morphs and evolves along with us. What you thought was beautiful five years ago, you may hate today. Start small, but start replacing your window treatments to reflect who you are today.

Just Because

Seriously, you don’t always have to have a valid reason to change your window treatments. Tastes change, things wear out, decor changes, and sometimes you just feel like a change yourself. That’s a perfectly valid reason too.

The beginning of the fall season is full of new things. School has started up again after a long summer hiatus. The leaves are changing color and beginning to fall. You might be starting something new yourself — a yoga class, a new job, a work-at-home career. Change is a good thing, and there’s no reason you need a specific reason to update and redecorate. But if you feel that you really need one and none of the above reasons are good enough, just remember, the holidays are right around the corner and you’ll probably be entertaining. Now that you can justify to yourself without guilt — it’s your pre-holiday gift to yourself.

If you’re in the market for new window treatments, make it a point to check out the superior selection at Just Blinds, proudly serving Central Alabama for 30+ years. Contact us for a free on-site consultation.

Window Covering Safety Month

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 21:37:00 GMT

Tragically, each year toddlers between the ages of 16 and 36 months old are killed by strangulation accidents involving cords from draperies and blinds. Research shows that most accidents happen in the bedroom and more than half involve toddlers at the age of 23 months.

According to PreventionTown, although toddlers are mobile, their heads are still proportionately heavy in contrast to their bodies and their muscular control is not fully developed, making it difficult for them to extricate themselves should they become entangled. Complicating matters even more is the fact that their windpipes are also still developing and not yet rigid like those of older children and adults, meaning they suffocate more quickly.

As is often the case with drownings, strangulation accidents often happen very quickly and quietly, and frequently when a parent or caregiver is close by. To reduce the risks of cord accidents, all cords should be shortened and kept out of the reach of children (and pets as well). In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identifies corded window coverings as one of the top five hidden hazards in the home and recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes with small children.

October is Window Covering Safety Month, an awareness campaign sponsored by WCSC ( the Window Covering Safety Council ) and CPSC, (the Consumer Product Safety Commission), and is a perfect time to eliminate the threat altogether by replacing corded blinds and draperies with safer options such as:

And remember, just because most cord accidents happen in the bedroom doesn’t mean they can’t or don’t happen in other rooms. Toddlers are tireless explorers who like to climb so be wary of things like window seats with corded blinds and choose a cordless treatment instead, like this pretty patterned one. In addition, the WCSC recommends the following safety precautions:

As with all hazards, prevention is the best strategy, and parents who take the time to inspect their windows and make them safe for their children will have one less thing to worry about.

Just Blinds has served the Central Alabama region for more than 30 years and have built a reputation based on providing quality products and superior service. Contact us to schedule a free on-site consultation today!

What Drapery Style is a Good Fit for You?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 21:12:00 GMT

Window treatments offer you a chance to design the look of your room in your own unique style. There are a variety of drapery choices depending on your home, décor, usefulness and taste. Customization of drapery styles offers more choice in material, style, and mounting options. Draperies come in different lengths, widths and are sometimes hung in combination with other window treatments.

Drapery Styles

Pinch-pleated draperies have sewn pleats in the top portion of the panels. Hooks placed in the back of each pleat are placed in hangers on a drapery rod above the window. Easy hanging makes for easy removal for cleaning of windows and drapes. The pleats are an ornate option which matches traditionally sophisticated designed rooms.

Grommet Topped Drapes

A modern convenient style of drapery is the grommet topped draperies. The grommet holes thread over a drapery rod. The grommets make the drapery design easy to open and close. The casual style of these drapes makes them popular for many who like to let the light in during the day and close-out the outside light during the night. The grommet style creates a pleasant evenly dispersed pleated appearance.

Rod Pocket Draperies

Very popular as a traditional style of drapery for years is the rod pocket drapery. The top of the drapes has a pocket which a drapery rod is threaded through. Rod Pocket drapes come in different widths and are threaded onto a rod or bracket of the corresponding width. The drapes, threaded tightly on the rod or bracket create tight pleats or ruching and a voluminous hanging drapery effect. It is common to couple a valance over the top and front of the hanging draperies as an enhancement to the look of the drapes. Explicitly designed to expose the window or shades behind the open drapes.

Drapery length

Drapery designs come in lengths from just under a window to the floor or puddled on the floor. Custom design allows for any length of drapery found desirable.

No fuss Drapes

Customize your drapes

Drapery designs with the fluidity of style integrate your home design from room to room. Window treatments are window dressing to dress your rooms individually or cohesively with the rest of your home. Customizing your draperies for your particular style makes all the difference in how your designs come together. Easy use draperies are part of the design you choose. You pick the drapery material, top mount style, length, tiebacks and other window treatments to incorporate for an overall window treatment which suits your style. It is all up to you.

Measure, design, and installation

Professional drapery designers guide you in selecting the perfect window treatments and drapes for your windows. The drapery designers help you select quality materials to go with your décor. They also help you determine how you want to use your drapes. How outdoor and indoor light works with your drapes. Professional designers at Just blinds are waiting for you to contact us with your window treatment needs. Our designers have been serving central Alabama for over 30 years and are ready to come to your home for a free consultation.

Design Trends: Woven Wood Shades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:37:00 GMT

Most design trends come and go, but some are destined to become classics. Woven wood window treatments are one of the latter. Versatile and textural, they add a warmth that enhances any environment.

A Solo Act

Woven wood window treatments need no extra embellishment to look good. That’s good news for lovers of modern or minimalist interiors.

Not just flattering to modern design, woven wood shades do a great job all by themselves complimenting traditional rooms as well.

One of the best applications for woven wood window coverings is in a sun room or a casual beach house.

Solo woven wood shades are the perfect solution to allow a sculptural window to take center stage without leaving it bare.

Partnering Up

Woven wood blinds are often used underneath draperies for a layered look for those who like a dressier effect or simply a bit more embellishment.

Top Down, Bottoms Up

Controlling privacy in a room without shutting out light is a tough design dilemma, but top down, bottom up woven blinds solve the problem with style while adding texture and interest.

Convenience

The next time you’re wondering about window treatments for a new home or a remodeling project, consider the benefits and versatility of woven woods. You’ll be surprised at their affordability too, especially when considering the added cost of everything required to add draperies or curtains (rods, drapery hooks, etc.). It’s just another of the many benefits you get with woven wood shades. If you’re in central Alabama and looking for the best variety if woven wood shades, blinds, or shutters, contact us. Just blinds has been providing the finest window coverings in central Alabama for more than 30 years!

Guidelines for Cleaning Window Blinds, Drapes and Shades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 15:40:00 GMT

Window blinds are used for more than just controlling sunlight and providing privacy. They also can add beauty to a room. But to keep your window blinds looking new and serving you as long as possible, it’s critical that they be properly cleaned and maintained. Here are some basic guidelines for cleaning window blinds.

Wood Blinds

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds tend to get even dirtier than horizontal ones, probably because they’re usually used for covering glass doors leading outdoors. Cleaning vertical blinds entails cleaning each individual slat, starting from the top and working down. Be sure you use an old towel or sheet to protect your floor from drips.

Some people even clean vertical blinds by unclipping the slats, laying them down on towels and cleaning each one individually. But this can be risky as it can be easy to break the plastic clips used to secure the slats.

Cleaning Drapes

Cleaning Cellular Shades

Cleaning Roman Shades

Spills and stains should be cleaned as soon as you notice them. You can use soda water or spray-on stain removers. Wash your shades before using spray-and-wash cleaning products.

For moderate dust buildup on decorative or embroidered shades, dust them, rather than vacuuming so that you don’t loosen threading. Use a duster that’s static-free. After you’ve cleaned the shades, it helps to apply a dust repellent, so dust won’t cling to your shades.

If your shades don’t have embroidered patterns, you can vacuum your shades, using a low setting.

Considerations and Warnings

Is it time to replace your window blinds? Let the window covering professionals at Just Blinds help you make the right choice. We provide onsite consultation, expert measuring and professional installation. Please contact us and learn more about our huge selection of blinds, drapes, Plantation shutters, shades and other window coverings.

Why You Should Choose Real Wood Blinds

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 17:38:00 GMT

Windows enhance the beauty of your home, illuminate and air rooms. How you dress your windows depends on many factors. When it comes to blinds, you have material options. There is wood, aluminum, plastic and faux wood blind options. You like the look of wood, but there is faux wood too. So why should you choose real wood vs. plastics/faux?

Classic Beauty

Nothing beats the classic luxury of real wood. Faux wood blinds imitate the grain which is the reason people love real wood. An imitation is a great option, but nature gave trees a randomness in the grain and color variation in the wood. The random differences in grain markings and variety of color and depth make real wood unmatched.

Weight, Size and Width of blinds

Faux wood is easier to clean and come in many colors. Real wood is lighter than faux wood. Since real wood is lighter it is used in longer widths for larger windows instead of faux wood. Real is less likely to crack and be brittle, however, in bright sunny windows and high humidity faux blinds hold up better.

Matching trim, Molding, and Décor

Most homes have natural wood trim around the bottom of the walls and above the floor. The most likely way to achieve a balanced and cohesive look in a room is to choose natural wood blinds over faux wood blinds.

Molding is the wood trim at the top of your walls at the ceiling. Molding is close to the tops of windows and your eye is more likely to pick up any difference between the natural wood of molding and faux wood molding. When using wood molding most people choose natural wood blinds so consistency goes throughout the home.

When you have natural wood furnishings, such as, tables, bookcases, cabinets and flooring, natural wood blinds are a natural choice. Faux wood blinds would look unnatural and stand out. The extra cost of wood blinds is a good investment when you already have natural wood in your home.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Natural wood blinds come from natural wood harvested. Using trees like oak, which do not grow quickly, is thought to be a bad choice in the material due to lack of sustainability. Another natural wood like bamboo is becoming more popular and a better choice. Bamboo is easily and quickly grown which makes it a sustainable wood option. Bamboo is also resistant to humidity and temperature changes. Natural wood is biodegradable and easily disposed at the end of useful life. Natural wood is also an excellent natural insulator again the heat of summer and cold of winter.

Faux wood blinds are made using chemicals to bind and seal, which are considered environmentally unsafe. Disposing of old faux wood blinds is a concern since they are not recyclable in most cases.

The Natural Choice: Real Wood Blinds

Nothing matches the rich luxurious look of real wood blinds. Real wood blinds are biodegradable, lightweight and blend in with your trim, molding, and furnishings. Bamboo is an excellent choice for you when you are looking for a sustainable real wood option.

For more information on real wood or faux wood blinds and many home enhancing blind options ask the company who has served central Alabama for over 30 years, Just Blinds. Contact us for a free on-site consultation and talk to the Just Blinds professionals about your window options in blinds, shutters, shades and other window treatments.

7 Great Reasons Why You Should Invest in Patio Sunshades

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:37:00 GMT

While you could figure that patio sunshades aren’t really necessary, you’d be surprised at just how many benefits they offer. Today’s patio sunshades are also less of a hassle to operate with cordless and wire-guided designs. You’ll never struggle with stuck blinds and frustrating cords again. Here are some great reasons to consider making patio sunshades your next home improvement.

Keeps Heat Out

Although spending time on the patio is fun in sunny weather, it’s uncomfortable on extremely hot days. Patio sunshades filter out some of the heat so you can still enjoy your patio on the hottest days of the year. They also stop some heat from entering your home, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable interior on hot days.

Protects From Ultraviolet Rays

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can leave you with a painful sunburn and increase your chances of developing skin cancer. While window glass filters out some of these rays, others have no problem coming through. That’s where patio sunshades come in. When you add patio sunshades, you filter out harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Lowers Air Conditioning Costs

When less heat is coming into your home, you’ll have to run the air conditioner less, which saves on energy bills. Running the air conditioner less often also puts less wear and tear on the system, reducing the chances you’ll need repairs. As air conditioners release harmful emissions, you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint on the environment if you run your cooling system less.

Reduces Screen Glare

If you’re sick of dealing with TV or computer screen glare from patio sunlight, adding patio sunshades solves this problem. You’ll be able to see your screen clearly even during strong daylight sun. You can also add a TV or computer to the room by your patio if you’ve been avoiding doing so because of glare.

Enhances Home Aesthetics

Patio sunshades come in many different styles and designs to suit the decor of diverse homes. You’ll add a touch of sophistication and domestic appeal to your property with these sunshades.

Protects Furniture

If you have patio furniture, you’ll want to keep it looking nice and functioning well for many years. Unfortunately, the sun’s UV rays are also harmful to furniture, fading bright colors and making some materials brittle and susceptible to tears. The sun’s impact extends into the inside of your home as well, affecting indoor furniture to a certain extent. UV rays can degrade color pigments in flooring and drapery as well. Patio sunshades protect indoor and outdoor furniture, flooring, and drapery by filtering out most harmful UV rays.

Adds Value to A Home

If you ever plan to sell, home improvements such as patio sunshades make a positive impression on potential buyers. They’ll be willing to pay higher prices for homes that include such amenities. You’ll also increase your chances of obtaining a faster sale by adding patio sunshades and other such amenities.

Turn to the experts at Just Blinds for quality patio sunshades and professional installations. We’ve been in the industry for over 30 years, and we offer free on-site consultations for patio sunshades. To find out more about our services, please contact us to speak with a professional.

Choose Blinds That Promote Indoor Air Quality

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 19:37:00 GMT

If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, choosing products that promote clean indoor air is a wise move. With pollutants in the air leading to problems like asthma and allergies, you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure your loved ones are breathing clean air. Although you hear many news stories about outdoor air pollution, indoor air often suffers two to five times more pollution than outside air, which is all the more reason to pay attention to inside air quality.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

People spend most time inside buildings breathing indoor air, but breathing poor-quality air puts people at risk for developing long-term health complications and even cancer. The air in indoor environments often contains chemicals, particulates, mold, and biological contaminants like bacteria and viruses. When people breathe these things, they tend to feel worse, experience symptoms like headaches and difficulty concentrating, and not be as productive. Indoor air pollution has also been associated with heart disease as well. In addition to increasing ventilation and investing in a quality air purification system, people should also pay attention to how their products and furnishings affect indoor air quality.

What is Green Guard?

Products with Green Guard certification meet rigorous standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Manufacturers rely on these standards for creating products that promote health and sustainability. Consumers depend on Green Guard certification to help them make wise purchasing choices. VOCs are a large source of pollution from furnishings and building materials, which is why controlling their emission is important. Green Guard certification is the trusted standard for products that emit very low levels of VOCs. It’s incorporated into more than 400 green building codes, policies, guidelines, rating systems, and standards. Sustainable building programs around the world make use of Green Guard standards.

How Green Guard Works

Manufacturers work closely with UL Environment to gain Green Guard certification for their products. The certification plan takes into account the manufacturing process and each unique product line. Certification is a thorough, rigorous, and comprehensive process that takes months to complete. It involves planning meetings, establishing test groups, product evaluations, and compliance testing. The manufacturer must also submit a final certification compliance package to the UL Environment before gaining Green Guard certification.

To test VOCs, the UL Environment utilizes advanced dynamic environmental chamber testing. This test identifies total and individual VOCs, ozone, phthalates, and formaldehyde. In addition, microbial resistance tests measure how well products resist mold growth.

After obtaining Green Guard certification, the manufacturer must participate in continuous testing, documentation, and verification to maintain the label. Ongoing evaluation helps to ensure products continue to meet the rigorous low-emission standards of Green Guard.

Blinds With Green Guard

Just because you’re looking for blinds with Green Guard doesn’t mean you’ll end up with boring blinds. Many types of blinds come with Green Guard certification, including wood blinds. The natural aesthetic of wood blinds fits nicely into an array of home styles. When you choose blinds with Green Guard, you’re offering your family and guests a healthy and visually pleasing home experience.

Just Blinds has over 30 years of experience in the design and installation of custom blinds, and we offer blinds with Green Guard certification. We can give you a free in-home consultation to help you choose the most appropriate blinds for your property. To speak with an experienced professional or ask more questions about Green Guard certification, please contact us .

Design Trends in Window Treatments

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 21:53:00 GMT

Buying or remodeling a home entails making several major decisions, including the type of window treatments you’ll use. Window treatments offer light control, privacy and style. If you’re in the market for window treatments, here are some of the current design trends, along with a few considerations.

Cordless Blinds/Shades – Cordless blinds and shades are much safer than their cord counterpart. Cords have proved to be dangerous in the past as young children and pets can get tangled in cords. In addition to being safer, cordless blinds and shades provide a much cleaner and sophisticated look without cords hanging down.

Motorization – Motorized blinds provide the ultimate convenience. Motorized blinds allow you to control your blinds from any room in the house at any given time – Even when you’re not home. Do you have high ceilings and windows? This is the option for you. They can also work in conjunction with a smartphone and other popular technology.

Using Real Wood vs. Faux Wood – Many homeowners prefer real wood for the soft, organic feel it gives to windows. Real wood blinds offers a look, feel and quality that can’t be duplicated with faux wood. For instance, real wood provides excellent insulation and protection from harsh UV rays due to its hardy construction. Trying to match a stain? This can be accomplished when using real faux wood.

Color Considerations

– Neutral or natural colors remain trendy. However, some homeowners prefer to match the color of their blinds with their room colors. This may work if you don’t ever intend to ever change the colors of a room.

– When selecting a neutral color, consider the color that’s the closest to that of your window trim.

– If you do want colored blinds and shades, consider that lighter colors can visually enhance a small room.

– Blinds and shades with rich colors can be ideal for dining rooms that may contain a lot of wood.

Other Considerations and Warnings

– Choosing blinds that insulate well are effective in blocking heat and cold. They’re particularly suited for bathrooms and bedrooms. What’s more, they can help you save money on your utility expenses.

– Use vertical blinds for wide windows as they can be easily stacked to a side instead at the top of a window.

If you need help in selecting window treatments give us a call. Serving Central Alabama for more than three decades, we have a well-deserved reputation for giving high-quality service. Please contact us and learn more about our wide range of products and services.

Psychology of Color: How Do I Know What Colors to Choose?

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 21:37:00 GMT

Decorating your home is fun and exciting. The way you choose to decorate not only showcases your personality, it can also affect your mood and the overall atmosphere of your home. Color plays an important role in your interior design, and choosing the right color for your walls, ceilings, and accents (like blinds) will make your home inviting and relaxing. You probably know exactly what your favorite colors are, but you’re not sure if those will be right for your home. You’re asking yourself “How do I know what colors to choose?” Color psychology can be very helpful when choosing the best colors for your interior design. Take a peek at these popular colors and how they affect your mood and the atmosphere of your home:

1. Red. Red is a vibrant, exciting color. Red is very intense and creates an energetic atmosphere. This warm color is great for rooms used for entertaining, such as the living and dining rooms. Red also makes a powerful first impression, so it is well-suited for areas such as entryways. Research shows that red can raise blood pressure and heart rates, so it should be avoided in bedrooms and areas where you would like to relax.

2. Yellow. If you are looking for a color that exudes happiness, yellow is for you. Yellow is bright, happy, and can help a small room appear more spacious. Yellow is best used in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and small spaces, where it creates a welcoming atmosphere. Although yellow is generally a happy color, it is not a good choice for large living areas–studies show that too much yellow can create frustration. This color has often been a popular choice for baby nurseries, however, recent research shows that the color yellow actually makes babies cry.

3. Blue. Need to de-stress? Blue is the color for you. Blue has a calming effect that creates a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere. This color has the opposite effect of red–blue is found to lower blood pressure and slow your heart rate, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms. Beware of using too much of an icy blue color, as it can make a room feel cold and unwelcoming. Pair these pastel blues with warm hues in other furnishings and accents. Bright, warmer blues (like turquoise and teal) in soft shades work well as main colors. Avoid very dark blues as they can create a depressing atmosphere.

4. Green. Green is a great color for any room. Combining the best elements of both blue and yellow (the happiness and warmth of yellow with the calming effect of blue), it creates a relaxing atmosphere that is also warm and inviting. A bright and cheery green is great in kitchens and bathrooms, while a deeper shade works well in living areas and bedrooms.

5. Purple. Another secondary color, purple combines elements of both red and blue. Purple has always been the color of royalty, so it creates a majestic atmosphere. This color exudes the warmth of red while remaining calming like blue. Light shades of purple are great for main colors, as they create a tranquil atmosphere without the drawback of feeling cold like the wrong blue. Richer shades of purple are fantastic for accents and furnishings, and they create a feeling of luxury.

6. Orange. Orange, much like red, is bright and enthusiastic. This color gets your blood pumping and creates an energetic atmosphere. For this reason, it’s not the best choice for a bedroom or a large living area–it works best in an exercise room or a kids’ play room.

7. Black/White/Gray. These neutral colors are important to every design scheme. Large doses of white can make a room feel very clean, crisp, and fresh, but it can also feel a bit cold and stark. Too much gray feels drab, while too much black is just, well, too much . The trick is to use neutral colors to highlight and draw attention to the rest of the colors in the room.

Understanding what effect color can have on your mood is very helpful when choosing a color scheme for your interior design. Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable and choosing the right color for each room can improve your mood considerably. The right colors will also help your guests feel warm and welcome. Please feel free to contact us to learn more about choosing colors for your home decor.

How to Provide Energy Efficiency, Comfort, and Style

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:05:00 GMT

These days, we are all looking for ways to provide energy efficiency. This is not only to save on utility bills, but also to help the environment and keep comfortable. Window blinds and shades can help with it all. Several types of blinds and shades will make your home more energy-efficient as well as more comfortable than windows alone. Read on to find out more about these window treatments.

The Department of Energy estimates that 48% of the average household’s utility spending is on heating and cooling. A home can lose anywhere from 10% to 20% of its heat through windows during cold months. In warm months, heat intrusion through windows causes your air conditioner to work harder and run longer than necessary. Finding ways to cut that spending makes sense.

Another concern when it comes to the outside environment invading your home is sun damage. It can fade your furniture, pictures and paintings, and even your walls. Protecting against the harms of UV rays and being able to control the amount of incoming light is essential.

Honeycomb Shades

Honeycomb shades, also called cellular shades, are great for energy efficiency. They provide an effective barrier between your home temperature and the outside temperature. With perfect pockets, they trap air inside, which reduces transfer of heat and cold into and out of your home through the windows. Honeycomb shades come in single, double, or triple layered options. You can opt for corded or cordless shades in various colors. The insulating power of these shades means less environmental impact and a fatter wallet.

Wooden Blinds

If you’re looking for a more classic look, wood blinds or faux wood blinds may be the right choice for you. Fortunately, they also help with energy efficiency. These blinds add insulation to your windows, while allowing you to filter in as little or as much light as you want. They also allow you to direct light. With wood and faux wood blinds, you have a variety of options when it comes to the type of wood, color, and style. Not only will they easily fit into your décor, they require little maintenance and are easy to clean. You’ll be able to save on energy bills and keep a classic style.

Roller Shades

Here, we have another aesthetically versatile window covering that saves energy. With proper insulation and a snug fit, roller shades create an insulating barrier of air between the window and the shade. This reduces energy loss and keeps homes at a comfortable, consistent temperature. They vary in levels of opaqueness and colors to ensure you get the style you love in addition to the comfort.

Shutters

Shutters have several advantages. Not only are they highly effective energy savers, they also protect your windows from weather and provide an element of beauty. Custom shutters have the ability to cater to any taste. Solid wood slats, custom artistry, and precision installation come together to bring style, comfort, protection, and efficiency to your home. On mild-weather days, you may want to shut off the furnace or air conditioner completely. Shutters allow ventilation while keeping your privacy and protection intact. You can also control the flow of light into your home.

Cold winter months and long, hot summer days can increase your utility bills, damage your home’s interior, strip you of constant, comfortable temperatures, and contribute to environmental destruction. With properly installed window blinds and shades, you can greatly reduce the loss of heat and cold through windows. With the many available products, you won’t have to compromise style for function.

If you have any questions regarding the above window treatments, or any others, please contact us .

The Benefits of Motorized Blinds and Shades and How They Work

bill.youngblood@bwsit.com (Bill Youngblood) — Wed, 25 May 2016 01:22:00 GMT

Motorized blinds are the perfect way to get a lot of benefits for your home with a minimal investment. Not only are they attractive and innovative, but motorized blinds come with features that allow you to open and close your blinds with ease and automatically. Here is a little more about the benefits of motorized blinds and shades and how they work.

How Do Motorized Blinds and Shades Work?

Motorized blinds and shades work by the customer first choosing a window covering, which will determine whether a motorized lift or tilt is needed. A power source is then chosen depending on the location of the window and the configuration of the electrical, which includes the options of a 12 volt battery tube, a 12 volt DC plug-in transformer, and a solar power kit. Lastly, there is a variety of controllers like a single channel remote control or wall switch.

The Many Benefits of Motorized Blinds and Shades

There are four major benefits that make your life easier when it comes to choosing blinds and shades that are motorized. These include:

Imagine simply pressing a single button to control all of your blinds and shades. There are no messy cords to deal with and you don’t have to reach around furniture or above your head to get to it. It is convenient and allows you to control the lighting and the privacy with one single step. This is especially convenient for rooms where you want to raise or lower all of the window treatments at once such as a home theater room.

Safety and Privacy

We all know that blinds and shades allow us to have more privacy; that’s a given. These window treatments keep out prying eyes and lets us control when we want to open them to let the light in or close them and have a more intimate environment.

However, there is another factor in the safety of motorized blinds and shades and that is the lack of cords. If you have children, pets, or both – you know that cords aren’t exactly the most safe thing and that they can be dangerous. In fact, there have been over 500 instances of cords being a hazard to children in the past few decades. Not only do motorized blinds and shades eliminate the cords but they can be programmed so that when you are away, they will open or close automatically. This keeps your home looking occupied no matter where you are.

So, you get privacy that is easy to use and no unsafe cords to worry with – it’s privacy and safety in one product.

Easy Integration and Set-Up

Motorized blinds and shades are easily integrated into most homes and even in those with home automation systems. They are perfect for homeowners who are new to the system or those who want to add motorized blinds and shades to an existing system.

An Aesthetic All Your Own

Not only are the blinds and shades easily customized, you won’t ever have to look at ugly cords again. Cords clutter up your window area and easily get frayed or old looking. With motorized blinds and shades, that problem is eliminated so that you never have to worry about it again and in a style that reflects your own personality.

Here at Just Blinds, we have been in business for almost three decades and are specialists in motorized blinds and shades, as well as draperies and plantation shutters. If you have any questions about motorized blinds and shades or would like to schedule an estimate, simply contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Just Blinds : Prattville Montgomery Pike Road Lake Martin Auburn

Performing Routine Maintenance on Your Exterior Shades

How Often Should You Clean And Maintain Your Exterior Shades?

3 Steps to Cleaning Your Home's Exterior Shades

Step 1: Gather your cleaning supplies.

Step 2: Dust away dirt and debris.

Step 3: Thoroughly clean your exterior shades.

What Routine Maintenance Issues Should You Check For As You Clean?

Just Blinds Is Here to Help

﻿

How to Use Window Coverings Creatively in a Kid's Room

Safety First

Light-Filtering

Glow-in-the-Dark

Include Their Favorites

Match Designs and Accent Colors

Add Window Decals

Floor Length Curtains

Let Them Have Fun

Exterior Shades: If You're Not Investing in Them, You Should be!

What Value Do Exterior Shades Add to a Lakefront Home?

Reduce Exposure to the Sun Without Hampering the View

Improve Your Property's Privacy

Keeps Bugs and Grime Away

Are There Other Reasons to Consider Exterior Shades?

Seven Reasons Why Fabric Roman Shades Are the Quiet Hero

1. A Variety of Colors and Patterns

2. Layers

3. Improves Small Rooms

4. Privacy Control

5. Insulation

6. A Timeless Look

7. Safe to Use

Why Invest In Motorized Retractable Awnings?

What is a Motorized Retractable Awning?

Why Choose a Motorized Retractable Awning?

Why Choose SunPro?

5 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat With Eye-Catching Window Treatments

When the mercury soars, never underestimate the power of blinds, shades, and other window treatments to keep your living space cool. With the techniques that follow, you can limit demand on your air conditioner, lower your energy bill, and maintain stunning aesthetics both inside and out.

1. Go For the Layered Look

2. Beat the Heat With Outdoor Window Treatments

Outdoor Shades Work, Too

3. Optimize Airflow

4. Keep Indoor Moisture in Check With Shades

5. Go Motorized

How to Use Windows to Make Your Home Cozier

Using Windows, Drapes, and Shades to Create Coziness

﻿

Plants as Cozy Window Decor

Enhance Your Space with Aromatherapy

Moody Shade and Maximizing Light

Increase Your Happiness with Window Design

What Your Window Treatment Says About You: A Personality-Based Guide

The Dependable Type: Wooden Blinds

The Planner: Blackout Curtains

The Tech Enthusiast: Smart Shades

The Dreamer: Sheer Curtains

5 Unexpected Places Homeowners Are Installing Outdoor Shades

1) Balconies

2) Outdoor Kitchens

3) Poolside Lounges

4) Garden Areas

5) Exterior Windows

The #1 Blind Mistake People Make in Each Room- And How to Avoid Those Mistakes

Living Room - Let the Sun Shine In!

Bathroom - Avoid Moisture Sensitive Blinds

Kitchen - Keep it Easy to Clean

Home Office - Watch Out for Glare

Dining Room - Don't Forget to Keep it Stylish

Best Options for Sheer Privacy: Your Guide to Private Sunshine

Why Sheer Privacy Matters

Woven and Fabric Blinds

Slatted Blinds and Plantation Shutters

Honeycomb Blinds

Semi-Sheer Drapery

Private Sundrenched Rooms with Just Blinds

2025 Colors of the Year: How to Use Them in Your Home Design

2025: A Year of Bold and Somber Tones

Stately Reds

Regal Purples